Learn About the Inclusivity index

The Inclusivity Index’s research technique, content, design, and application combine to produce valid results for schools.  This was the prime motivator for creating a new survey in 2016 given the challenges of existing approaches. The creators chose the Max-Diff technique after learning that it exceeds validity thresholds in parallel psychometric applications as well as eliminating cultural and positivity bias. The goal then turned to creating a bounded survey that solely measured inclusivity.

This singular aim inspired the invention of the “Positive-Negative Most-Least” technique which could be applied to the Max-Diff framework. Posing each quality four times with equal numbers of positive and negative statements and asking for equal numbers of most and least choices ensures neutrality and produces high resolution results. The survey administration targets 90% participation to eliminate sample bias.  Further, to develop substantive content, the quality themes and statements were designed around recognized and reliable educational surveys. As a final requirement, the Inclusivity Index as applied in schools had to meet Max-Diff research design thresholds for the number of respondents, times each statement is offered, and number of choices per question. 

As the Inclusivity Index matures, we have been able to use statistical principles to tune the content and develop ways to view the data.  For example, student response times are monitored to judge statement difficulty and correlations are run to ensure that positive and negative statements equally measure a quality.  Interpretation and communication of results are enhanced by adding logistic regression as a core analysis to statistically determine both significance and amplitude of factors that drive negative or low scores.  These logistic regression exercises use statistical significance as the key factor in the process that filters the full range of identities and concludes which are most meaningful at the school.

The graphic summarizes the key criteria for the Inclusivity Index and the characteristics of the survey as applied in schools today. The green indicates that the survey meets or exceeds expectations on all dimensions, both assuring validity and underpinning the effectiveness of the overall effort.