Abstract

A review of the available empirical and theoretical literature on national identity uncovered three potential underlying dimensions: nativism, emotionality, and behavior. Secondary data available from the National Identity modules collected during the 1995, 2003, and 2013 waves of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) were used in this study to examine whether these three dimensions are distinct aspects of this singular construct for citizens of the United States. Completion of this analysis allows for further exploration regarding the relationships between national identity and attitudes towards immigrants, and, ultimately, for an assessment of changes in this relationship over time. In this study, the validity and reliability of an 8-item scale presented in the ISSP National Identity module survey were assessed. Additionally, alternate version of the scale that included a ninth variable was also assessed. Ultimately, the CFA analyses indicated that the ISSP national identity scale, with the additional ninth variable, when loaded into a three-factor model, was determined to be a fair measure of American national identity.

Presenters

Amanda Hill
Assistant Professor, Social Work, Salisbury University, Maryland, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Identity and Belonging

KEYWORDS

National Identity, Nativism, Emotionality, Behavior, Scale Validity, Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Digital Media

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