See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/272019910

The Turkish Positive Perception Scale: A Contribution to its Validity and Reliability

Article in Journal of Education and Human Development · January 2014

DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v3n3a16

CITATIONS READS

0 66

2 authors:

Evren Erzen Ozkan Cikrikci

Artvin Coruh Universitesi Ordu Üniversitesi
24 PUBLICATIONS 39 CITATIONS 42 PUBLICATIONS 83 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

İnternet use View project

adjustment to college View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Evren Erzen on 09 February 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Journal of Education and Human Development
September 2014, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 197-203
ISSN: 2334-296X (Print), 2334-2978 (Online)
Copyright © The Author(s). 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development
DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v3n3a16
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.15640/jehd.v3n3a16

The Turkish Positive Perception Scale: A Contribution to its Validity and Reliability

Evren Erzen1 & Özkan Çikrikci2

Abstract

This study aims to conduct Turkish reliability and validity studies on Positive Perception Scale and make this
scale available for Turkish researches. The study was conducted on a total of 243 people being 116 girls
(47.7%) and 127 boys (52.3%) whose ages differed between 17 and 32 (Mean: 20.93, Sd: 2.41). Language
validity form was used to determine the language validity of the positive perception scale. Being obtained
from two experts, Cohen Kappa fit indices was found .76 for Turkish language validity of the scale; it was
found .72 for foreign language validity. Structural validity values of the scale were determined by GFI,
AGFI, CFI, RMSEA, χ2 and χ2/sdrates obtained from confirmatory factor analysis. In this scope, validity of
three-factor model of the original scale was tested. The findings showed that this construct of the original
scale was valid in Turkish culture as well (RMSEA= .07, CFI= .94, GFI .96, AGFI= .91 and χ2/sd2.46).
Oxford Happiness Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale were used to determine the criterion validity of the
Positive Perception Scale. It was observed that there were significant relationships between positive
perception and happiness (r=.55, p<.001) and life satisfaction (r=.60, p<.001). The reliability coefficients of
the scale determined within the scope of Turkish adaptation studies were found to be .73 for self in past
sub-dimension; .65 for self-ability sub-dimensions and .76 for human nature sub-dimension. Internal
consistency coefficient of the whole scale was .80. Finally, it was found that Turkish adaptation of the
positive perception scale was valid and reliable.

Keywords: Positive Psychology, Positive Perception, Validity, Reliability

1. Introduction
Having deterministic approach towards human nature, Sigmund Freud focused on aggression and sexual
drives of human and contributed to the development of psychopathology-centered psychology.
Scientists spent their time mostly investigating pathologic cases as a result of negative directions mentioned
about human nature. Years before the positive psychology stream founded in Germany within the last
quarter of XX. Century, Abraham Maslow had asserted a theory which emphasizes the basis of positive
psychology. According to Maslow, human nature has a very positive structure on the contrary to the view of
Freud. By means and opportunities to be granted, a person may take powerful steps to realize him/herself
(Ellis & Abrams, 2009; Feist & Feist, 2006; Taylor, 2009).
A great deal of theories has been asserted so far in order to give meaning to human behaviors or discuss the
pathologies within the scope of causation. Therefore, we can say that traditional psychology stream focuses
on psychopathologyor disapproval on psychopathology. It is remarkable that traditional psychology which
restricts itself within a narrow research area based on psychopathology does not consider the potentials of
humanbeings (Hefferon & Boniwell, 2014). This disadvantage of the traditional psychology enabled positive
psychology stream to develop rapidly (Eryılmaz, 2013).

1 Research Assistant, Department of Primary Education Sciences, Faculty of Education,Artvin Coruh University,
08000,Artvin/Turkey.E-mail: [email protected]
2 Research Assistant, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ordu University, 52200, Ordu/Turkey. E-

mail:[email protected]
198 Journal of Education and Human Development, Vol. 3(3), September 2014

The positive psychology basically focuses on potentials, skills, powerful and positive aspects of people
which are the ignored elements of traditional psychology and cares about making people hold on life and
improve their well-being with new experiences. In other words, positive psychology directs towards a
permanent and efficient mental health against vital duties and strengths and potentials of people (Peterson,
2000; Seligman &Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
The consideration of well-being phenomenon within the scope of causation is the focus point of the
positive psychology (Seligman &Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). People tend to perceive themselves positively.
People motivate themselves to make positive perception more permanent (Taylor & Brown, 1988). In other
words, this optimism circulation shapes faiths of people. Considering the events in which good wills for the
world and humanity constitute a whole, it can be seen that there is belief that the human nature is good in
principle (Jannoff-Bulman, 1989).
As people tend to perceive themselves positively, they try to motivate themselves as much as possible to
maintain this positive perception. During this motivation process, it is necessary to function a series of
positive psychology interventions. Positive psychology interventions are based on processing consciousness
or emotions which shape subjective perceptions.
Positive psychology interventions include improving optimism, reinforcing gratitude and determining the
purpose of life again (Bolier et al., 2013; Huffman et al., 2014; Lyubomirsky&Layous, 2013; Seligman, Steen,
Park, & Peterson, 2005; Sin &Lyubomirsky, 2009). In short, faiths of people are shaped upon their
optimism judgments. Considering the events in which good wills for the world and humanity constitute a
whole, it can be seen that there is belief that the human nature is good in principle (Jannoff-Bulman, 1989).
Positive psychology not only gives importance to the development of existing potentials of people but also
to the preventiveness role. In positive psychology, preventiveness requires different practices in various
situations. (i) to solve problems before they emerge and to decrease possible risks in the future; (ii) to
protect people under risk; (iii) interventions towards treatment are applied under the title of preventiveness
(Akın-Little, Little, &Delligatti, 2004; Eryılmaz, 2013).
In the literature review, it is remarkable that assessment measurements related to psychology are very limited
and they are insufficient in psychometric terms. Especially in Turkey, although there are assessment
instruments towards positive psychology concepts such as well-being, life satisfaction, subjective well-being,
happiness, there is no assessment instrument to determine positivity perceptions of people. In order to
fulfill this gap in the literature, it was decided to adapt the Positive Perception Scale developed by Icekson
and Pines (2013) into Turkish.
2. Method
2.1. Sampling
Three (3) different sampling groups were used in this study. The information related to these sampling
groups are given below.
The first sampling group was determined by criteria sampling method. In order to determine Turkish
language and meaning validity of the scale for Turkish adaptation, two volunteer experts who fulfill
requirements of being academician in Turkish language at a university were included in the research.
The second sampling group consists of two academicians who work at English Teaching department in
order to determine the convenience of foreign language translation of the scale. Criteria sampling method
was used to determine the sampling group.
Convenience sampling method was preferred for pilot practice of the third sampling group. The sampling
group consists of a total of 243 people being 116 females (47.7%) and 127 males (52.3%) whose ages differ
between 17 and 32 (Mean: 20,93, sd: 2,41).
Erzen & Çikrikci 199

2.2. Measures
(i) Positive Perception Scale (Icekson& Pines, 2013), (ii) Oxford Happiness Scale (Doğan&Akıncı-Çötok,
2011), (iii) Life Satisfaction Scale (Yetim, 1993) (iv) Turkish Language Validity Form and (v) Foreign
Language Validity Form were used in this research.
2.2.1. Positive Perception Scale
Positive Perception Scale is a three-dimension scale consisting of eight items and seven-point Likert grading,
developed by Icekson and Pines (2013). Internal consistency coefficient of the original scale is .90. Internal
consistency coefficients of sub-dimensions titled Self in Past, Self-Ability and Human Nature were found.80,
.79, .86, respectively. According to confirmatory factor analysis, it was found that three-factor model has
good level of concordance (RMSEA= .06, CFI= .98, TLI= .97). This scale was adapted into Turkish culture
by researchers and validity and reliability values of this scale are given in findings section.
2.2.2. Oxford Happiness Scale
Oxford Happiness Scale is a single-dimension scale consisting of eight items and six-point Likert grading.
The original form of the scale was developed by Hills and Argyle (2002). Internal consistency coefficient of
the original scale was found .76 by Callaway (2009). The adaptation of the scale into Turkish culture was
made by Doğan and Akıncı-Çötok (2011). Internal consistency coefficient of the Turkish form of the scale
was found .74 and test-retest reliability was found .85.
According to confirmatory factor analysis conducted in order to test the determined construct, it was found
that the model has a good level of concordance with the data (RMSEA= .07, CFI= .95, GFI= .97, AGFI=
.93). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis applied to the scale within the scope of this study
(RMSEA= .06, CFI= .92, GFI= .97, AGFI= .93) show that assessment instrument give valid results.
Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of Oxford Happiness Scale was found .63 within the scope
of this study.
2.2.3. Life Satisfaction Scale
Life Satisfaction Scale is a Likert scale including seven-point assessment developed by Diener, Emmons,
Larsen and Griffin (1985). Internal consistency coefficient of the life satisfaction scale including 5 items in
the original form was found .87. Internal consistency coefficient of the scale adapted into Turkish by Yetim
(1993) was found .86. Test-retest reliability of the Turkish form of the scale was found .73. High values of
the total scores obtained from the life satisfaction scale which does not include any negative item show that
the person has high-level life satisfaction. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis applied to the scale
within the scope of this study (RMSEA= .08, CFI= .98, GFI= .98, AGFI= .93) show that assessment
instrument give valid results. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of Life Satisfaction Scale was
found .80 within the scope of this study.
2.3. Procedure
A series of procedures were conducted in order to determine whether the Positive Perception Scale can be
used in Turkish culture or not within the scope of the present study. The procedures are given below.
Internal validity: (i) The data obtained in this study are presented in findings section. The interpretation of the
related information was made along with the transfer and explanation of necessary information. (ii) Analysis
methods of the data and the purposes of these analyses are given under related section.
External validity: In methodology section of the study, detailed information are given for the procedures
conducted during sampling, research group, data collection tool and data analysis processes.
In this way, further researchers may follow the applied procedure and have information about the
repeatability of the results to be obtained.
200 Journal of Education and Human Development, Vol. 3(3), September 2014

Translation Validity: First, the scale was translated from its original language, English into Turkish language.
In this article, the translation process based on back translation method was achieved in two phases (Brislin,
1970). First, three lecturers expert in both English and Turkish and two academicians translated the original
form into Turkish separately. After, translations into Turkish gathered, only a Turkish form was determined
by consensus. After that, the original form and the Turkish form were compared and similarities and
discrepancies of translations were investigated. A 10-graded form which determines Translation Validity Grade
in order to determine translation validity was prepared and tested by English Language experts. English
language experts were asked to control whether original expressions of the items match up with Turkish
meanings or not. Consistency of the scores given by experts for the convenience of translation validity was
assessed in line with Cohen Kappa fit indices; translation validity score was obtained.
Turkish language and meaning validity: The scale was translated in Turkish and investigated by foreign language
experts; then a 10-graded form which shows Language Meaning Validity Grade in order to determine
language and meaning validity was prepared and investigated by Turkish language experts. Turkish language
experts were asked to control Turkish comprehensibility of items and clarity degree of expressions.
Consistency of the scores given by experts for the convenience of language and meaning validity was
assessed in line with Cohen Kappa fit indices; Turkish language and meaning validity score was obtained.
Construct Validity: The confirmatory factor analysis was used to test construct validity of the study. The
validity of three-dimension construct of the original scale in Turkish culture was determined.
Criterion Validity: The data of Oxford Happiness Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale which represent positive
points of view developed by people in their assessment towards events and thus were expected to give
mostly parallel results with positive perception were preferred in order to determine criterion validity of
positive perception scale.
The power of the scale in revealing similar findings with other scales tested for validity and reliability was
determined through the in/significant relationship of abovementioned scales with Turkish form of the
Positive Perception Scale.
Internal reliability: Cronbach Alpha coefficients were used to determine internal reliability level of the scale.
3. Results
3.1. Results on Translation Validity
According to the assessment of scale items in terms of accuracy in translation from English to Turkish
language, it was concluded that there was no need to bring any change to any item of the scale consisting of
eight items. As there were two experts in assessment, Cohen Kappa fit indices was calculated. The obtained
Cohen Kappa fit indices coefficient was found .72.
3.2. Results on Turkish Language and Meaning Validity
According to the assessment of scale items in terms of Turkish comprehensibleness, it was concluded that
there was no need to bring any change to any item of the scale consisting of eight items. As there were 2
experts in assessment, Cohen Kappa fit indices was calculated. The obtained Cohen Kappa fit indices
coefficient was found .76.
3.3. Results on Structural Validity
First of all, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for the scale adapted into Turkish as sub-
dimensions of the original scale were abided institutionally. Primarily the χ2 (N= 243, sd= 17)= 41.86 value,
fit indices (RMSEA= .07, CFI= .94, GFI= .96, AGFI= .91) of the construct obtained through the
confirmatory factor analysis conducted to test the validity of three-dimension construct in Icekson and
Pines (2013) scale show that the model was concordant. (Kline, 2011; Tabachnick&Fidell, 2007). This result
shows that the structure of the original scale was preserved in Turkish culture as well. CFA showed that
factor loads of the items in assessment instrument differed between .56 and .81 (Figure 1).
Erzen & Çikrikci 201

Figure 1: Factor Loading of Positive Perception Scale

3.4. Results of Convergent Validity
The significant correlation values assumed to be found with Oxford Happiness and Life Satisfaction were
analyzed in order to test the validity of the positive perception scale in Turkish culture. The findings show
that there are significant relationships between positive perception and life satisfaction (r=.60, p<.001) and
happiness (r=.55, p<.001); therefore the results are parallel with two other scales which reflect the features
of positive approach towards life.
Table 1: Correlational Findings on Convergent Validity
1 2 3
PP 1
LS .60** 1
H .55** .56** 1
Mean 39.80 21.46 24.84
SD 8.56 6.37 4.12
PP: Positive Perception, LS: Life Satisfaction, H: Happiness; SD: Standard Deviation; N=243, **p<.001
3.5. Reliability Findings
Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient was used to test the presence of internal reliability of the
scale, validity analyses of which were already completed. The analyses conducted in this scope show that
internal consistency coefficient is .73 for self in past (SP) sub-dimension; .65 for self-ability (SA) sub-
dimension; .76 for human nature (HN) sub-dimension and .80 for the whole scale.
202 Journal of Education and Human Development, Vol. 3(3), September 2014

Table 2: The Internal Consistency Coefficients

Scale Range M SD
α Min Max
1.Total Scale .80 16 56 39.80 8.56
Female .73 16 56 40.77 7.61
Male .83 16 54 38.92 9.29
2.SP Subscale .73 5 28 19.72 5.10
Female .66 8 28 20.38 4.63
Male .77 5 28 19.12 5.45
3.SA Subscale .65 2 14 9.98 2.63
Female .57 3 14 10.09 2.48
Male .70 2 14 9.89 2.77
4.HN Subscale .76 2 14 10.08 3.10
Female .73 2 14 10.29 2.95
Male .78 2 14 9.90 3.23
4. Discussion
This study aims to conduct validity and reliability analyses of Turkish form of the Positive Perception Scale
and thus to offer this scale to the use of researchers. Within this scope, first of all, validity analyses of the
scale were conducted and then internal consistency coefficient of the scale reliability was analyzed.
First of all, translation validity was tested within the scope of reliability studies. The opinions of two experts
were asked to determine translation validity and Cohen Kappa fit indices scores were determined through
the scores given by these experts to translation validity forms. As the evaluation was made by two reviewers
for translation validity, Cohen Kappa fit indices which shows agreement rate between evaluators was used.
In cases when the number of reviewers is two in the literature, it is stated that it will be more suitable to use
Cohen Kappa fit indices.
For translation validity, agreement index score was calculated as .72 as a result of scoring made by experts
on scale items. In Cohen Kappa fit indices, .70 and above are accepted to be valid (Şencan, 2005). In this
sense, it was found that the validity of the scale is sufficient.
As the second procedure, the evaluations of two experts were scored over 10 just like in translation validity
for Turkish Language and Meaning Validity. Cohen Kappa fit indices was used to determine the consistency
between independent scoring made by the experts. According to the analyses, agreement index score was
found .76. This finding shows that Positive Perception Scale is comprehensible and perceived clearly in
Turkish language.
Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test construct validity of the positive perception scale and
Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient was used for reliability assessment. Cronbach Alpha value
was determined as .80 for the whole scale; .73 for self in past (SP) sub-dimension; .65 for self-ability (SA) and
.76 for human nature (HN) sub-dimension. In general, .70 and above values are the acceptable values in scales
(Field, 2013). In this scope, it can be seen that the scale is reliable. Although, the value under.70 found for
reliability of self-ability sub-dimension may seem like a problem, there are also researchers who claim that this
figure should be .60 for combined scales having sub-dimensions (Şencan, 2005).
The studies on the assessment of positive perception are very recent. The Positive Perception Scale developed
by Icekson and Pines (2013) aims to translate this assessment into life. Actually, there are concepts which
refer to many similar features. Life satisfaction and happiness concepts are only two of such concepts. The
most prominent feature which distinguishes positive perception from other concepts is the fact that positive
perception is the starting point of systems or perceptions based on well-being phenomenons such as life
satisfaction and happiness.
 Erzen & Çikrikci 203

The adaptation of the original scale in Turkish will not only steer researchers' interest to this field but also
will provide significant contribution to the reflection of this difference on their studies.
To conclude, the findings obtained within the scope of Turkish adaptation studies of Positive Perception
Scale show that Turkish form of the scale is reliable and valid.
In addition, protection of original factor construct of the scale, high construct validity of the scale without
any further modification show that the scale has intercultural constancy. In this scope, it can be said that
original construct of the scale will be preserved in different language and culture adaptation of the Positive
Perception Scale or adaptation studies in cultures having similar features as Turkish culture will reveal
similar reliability and validity findings.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Tamar Icekson and Ayala Malach Pines for their permission and
recommendations. In addition we wish to give our thanks to the participants.
References
Akın-Little, K. A., Little, S. G., &Delligatti, N. (2004). A preventative model of school consultation: Incorporating perspectives
from positive psychology. Psychology in the Schools, 41(1), 155-162.
Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., &Bohlmeijer, E. (2013). Positive psychology interventions: A
meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. BMC Public Health, 13, 119-139.
Brislin, R. W. (1970). Back-translation for cross-cultural research. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 1, 185–216.
Callaway, R. J. (2009). Confirmatory factor analyses of two social desirability scales and the investigation of their contribution to
measures of well-being (Unpublished Master Thesis). The University of British Columbia, Okanagan.
Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of personality
assessment, 49(1), 71-75.
Doğan, T., & Akıncı-Çötok, N. (2011). Adaptation of the short form of the Oxford Happiness Questionnnaire into Turkish: A
validity and reliability study. Türk Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Dergisi, 4(36), 165-172.
Ellis, A., Abrams, M., & Abrams, L. (Eds.). (2009). Personality theories: Critical perspectivesSage.
Eryılmaz, A. (2013). Pozitifpsiko lojininpsikolojik danışma nlıkverehber likalanındagelişimselveönleyicihiz metlerbağlamın
dakullanılması. The Journal of Happiness and Well-Being, 1(1), 1-19.
Feist, J., & Feist, G.J. (2006). Theories of Personality (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Companies.
Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. London: Sage.
Hefferon, K., &Boniwell, I. (2014).Pozitifpsikoloji: Kuram, araştırmaveuygulamalar (T. Doğan, Çev. Ed.). Ankara: Nobel AkademikYayıncılık.
Hills, P., & Argyle, M. (2002). The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire: a compact scale for the measurement of psychological well-
being. Personality and Individual Differences, 33, 1073–1082.
Huffman, J. C., DuBois, C. M., Healy, B. C., Boehm, J. K., Kashdan, T. B., Celano, C. M., …&Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Feasibility
and utility of positive psychology excercises for suicidal inpatients. General Hospital Psychiatry, 36, 88-94.
Icekson, T., & Pines, A. M. (2013). Positive perception: A three dimensional model and a scale. Personality and Individual
Differences, 54(2), 180-186.
Jannoff-Bulman, R. (1989). Assumptive worlds and the stress of traumatic events: Applications of the schema construct. Social
Cognition, 7, 113–136.
Kline, R. B. (2011). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Lyubomirsky, S., &Layous, K. (2013). How do simple positive activities increase well-being? Current Directions in Psychological
Science, 22, 57-62.
Peterson, C. (2000). The future of optimism.American Psychologist, 55, 44–55.
Seligman, M. E., &Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55, 5–14.
Seligman, M. E., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Emprical validation of interventions.
American Psychologist, 60, 410-421.
Şencan, H. (2005). Sosyal ve davranışsal ölçümlerde güvenilirlik ve geçerlik. Ankara: Seçkin.
Sin, N. L., &Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology
interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Cilinical Psychology, 65, 467-487.
Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2007). Using multivariate statistics (5th ed.). New York: Pearson.
Taylor, E. (2009). The mystery of personality: A history of psychodynamic theories. London: Springer.
Taylor, S. E., & Brown, J. D. (1988). Illusion and well-being: A social psychological perspective on mental health. Psychological
Bulletin, 103, 193–210.
Yetim, Ü. (1993). Life satisfaction: A study based on the organization of personal projects. Social Indicators Research, 29(3), 277-
289.

View publication stats