Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale – AMAS-ZABB
A self-report instrument designed to measure multidimensional acculturation across identity, language competence, and cultural competence for both US culture and culture of origin.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale – AMAS-ZABB was developed by Maria Cecilia Zea, Kathleen K. Asner-Self, Dina Birman, and Lisa P. Buki (2003). It is designed to measure Acculturation. The scale is intended for use with Adults (originally validated with Latino/Latina samples).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 42 items organized into 6 factors/subscales: US Identity, Culture of Origin Identity, English Language Competence, Native Language Competence, US Cultural Competence, Culture of Origin Cultural Competence.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| US Identity | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | 6 |
| Culture of Origin Identity | 7,8,9,10,11,12 | 6 |
| English Language Competence | 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 | 9 |
| Native Language Competence | 22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 | 9 |
| US Cultural Competence | 31,32,33,34,35,36 | 6 |
| Culture of Origin Cultural Competence | 37,38,39,40,41,42 | 6 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Strongly disagree (Items 1-12) / Not at all (Items 13-42), 2 = Disagree somewhat (Items 1-12) / A little (Items 13-42), 3 = Agree somewhat (Items 1-12) / Pretty well (Items 13-42), 4 = Strongly agree (Items 1-12) / Extremely well (Items 13-42).
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 1 to 4. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low identification/competence: 1 – 2
- Moderate identification/competence: 2 – 3
- High identification/competence: 3 – 4
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha ranged from .83 to .97 across subscales.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.