Development, content validity, and reliability of a questionnaire to measure perceived workplace discrimination in the Chilean mining sector: A validation study.

Abstract

Introduction: Perceived workplace discrimination is a relevant phenomenon in the field of occupational health, associated with multiple negative effects on work outcomes, mental and physical health. However, the literature reveals significant limitations in its measurement, such as the absence of validated instruments for this purpose. This study aimed to develop, validate the content, and evaluate the reliability of a questionnaire designed to measure perceived workplace discrimination.

Methods: We designed a questionnaire based on a scoping review of the literature. The instrument consists of two sections. The first section includes four items aimed at assessing the prevalence of perceived workplace discrimination and the associated reasons. The second section comprises ten items designed to characterize the phenomenon using a Likert-type scale. Content validity was assessed by five experts using Aiken's V coefficient with 95% confidence intervals. Internal consistency of the second section was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The sample included 86 workers from the mining sector in Chile.

Results: The 14 items in the questionnaire obtained Aiken's V values ranging from 0.8 to 1, indicating high clarity, relevance, and significance. The reliability analysis of the second section yielded a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.62, considered acceptable for exploratory stages. Opportunities for improvement were identified in some items to enhance internal cohesion in future applications.

Conclusions: The questionnaire demonstrates high content validity and moderate reliability, supporting its preliminary use in research on perceived workplace discrimination. Further studies are recommended to confirm its factor structure and strengthen its psychometric properties in larger and more diverse samples.