Academic Research Values Scale: Item selection and content validity

In this paper we test the content validity of 246 academic research value items in two interrelated methodological steps. First, we analyze the in-depth evaluation of two experts to assess formal aspects of our items and their relatedness to the construct. Next, we evaluate the relevance of each item based on feedback gathered from 20 experts. Based on these assessments, we review and refine the original item pool and propose a total of 97 value items spread through 10 dimensions. We relate our items to existing work on researchers’ values and provide recommendations for future measurement development. A validated measure of academic research values can assess the effectiveness of responsible research conduct courses and highlight personal differences among researchers from diverse backgrounds, as well as aid our understanding of values unique to academic careers.