Development and validation of the Miami University Diversity Awareness Scale (MUDAS).

College students need to be prepared for a global environment, and assessing student awareness about issues of diversity is critical to this preparation. This study chronicles the validation of the Miami University Diversity Awareness Scale (MUDAS). This instrument is designed to measure the level of student awareness about issues of culture, intergroup interaction, social justice, and the degree to which students believe these issues are presented in the college classroom. An exploratory factor analysis suggested that the 29-item scale produced a 5-factor model showing good fit of the data. A follow-up instrument revision included the addition of 8 items resulting in a refined 37-item survey. Construct validity and reliability issues were addressed. Incoming first-year student MUDAS results are examined and implications for future research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)