Development, Validation, and Pilot Testing of a Thurstone Scale to Assess Attitudes toward Entomophagy
Supta Sarkar
*
Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Saifabad, Hyderabad, 500004, India.
Aparna Kuna
MFPI - Quality Control Laboratory, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500030, India.
V. Anitha
Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Palem, Nagarkurnool, Telangana, 509215, India.
T. Supraja
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rudrur, Nizamabad Telangana, 503188, India.
Appavoo Dhandapani
Information and Communication Management Division, National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500030, India.
M. Prasuna
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Bellampalli, Mancherial, Telangana, 504251, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a Thurstone equal-appearing interval (EAI) scale to assess attitudes toward entomophagy among Indian consumers.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Community Science, PJTAU, Hyderabad, India, from June 2024 to August 2024.
Methodology: Over 100 favourable and unfavourable candidate statements were generated and rated by 47 expert judges from diverse disciplines on a 1–9 continuum. Median values served as scale positions, while interquartile ranges (IQR) indicated judge disagreement. Twenty items evenly spanning the favourable–unfavourable continuum, with balanced polarity and lower IQRs, were retained. Split-half reliability testing was conducted, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The final 20-item scale was pilot-tested online among respondents aged 13 years or older (n = 89).
Results: The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.777, confirming acceptable internal consistency. Field testing indicated predominantly negative attitudes, with 66–77% disagreeing with positive statements and 35–67% agreeing with negative ones. Major barriers included safety concerns, disgust, and cultural unsuitability. Some openness was observed: 18% supported awareness initiatives, 14% endorsed insects as protein for athletes, 12% for therapeutic nutrition, and 8% were willing to try insects if presented in masked or high-protein forms. The lowest acceptance was for home preparation (2%).
Conclusion: The validated 20-item scale demonstrates psychometric robustness and practical utility for measuring consumer attitudes toward entomophagy in India. It provides a reliable tool for monitoring attitudes, designing targeted educational campaigns, and guiding product development to enhance the acceptance of insect-based foods.
Keywords: Thurstone scale, scale development, scale validation, consumer attitude measurement, entomophagy