Development, Validation, and Pilot Testing of a Thurstone Scale to Assess Attitudes toward Entomophagy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a Thurstone equal-appearing interval (EAI) scale to assess attitudes toward entomophagy among Indian consumers. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Community Science, PJTAU, Hyderabad, India, from June 2024 to August 2024. Methodology: Over 100 favourable and unfavourable candidate statements were generated and rated by 47 expert judges from diverse disciplines on a 1–9 continuum. Median values served as scale positions, while interquartile ranges (IQR) indicated judge disagreement. Twenty items evenly spanning the favourable–unfavourable continuum, with balanced polarity and lower IQRs, were retained. Split-half reliability testing was conducted, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The final 20-item scale was pilot-tested online among respondents aged 13 years or older (n = 89). Results: The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.777, confirming acceptable internal consistency. Field testing indicated predominantly negative attitudes, with 66–77% disagreeing with positive statements and 35–67% agreeing with negative ones. Major barriers included safety concerns, disgust, and cultural unsuitability. Some openness was observed: 18% supported awareness initiatives, 14% endorsed insects as protein for athletes, 12% for therapeutic nutrition, and 8% were willing to try insects if presented in masked or high-protein forms. The lowest acceptance was for home preparation (2%). Conclusion: The validated 20-item scale demonstrates psychometric robustness and practical utility for measuring consumer attitudes toward entomophagy in India. It provides a reliable tool for monitoring attitudes, designing targeted educational campaigns, and guiding product development to enhance the acceptance of insect-based foods.