A Framework for Developing Semantic Differentials in IS research: Assessing the Meaning of Electronic Marketplace Quality (EMQ)

Tibert Verhagen and Selmar Meents
Additional contact information
Tibert Verhagen: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculteit der Economische Wetenschappen en Econometrie (Free University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics Sciences, Business Administration and Economitrics

No 16, Serie Research Memoranda from VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics

Abstract: Adequate usage of measurement instruments is key for solid research. In this study we focus on the semantic differential as general technique of measurement. Despite calls for methodological rigor in information systems (IS) research, many of the applications of the semantic differential in IS studies are characterized by flaws and weaknesses. Consequently, the findings of these studies demand cautious usage since validity problems are likely to exist. The aim of this study is to shed light on the semantic differential. Principles of semantic differentiation are discussed, and used as foundation to introduce a framework for developing and applying semantic differentials. The framework delineates the crucial role of linguistics and concept-scale interaction, and extends available guidelines for measurement validation with procedures to test wording credibility, linguistic contrast, psychological bipolarity, and contextual contamination. The framework is exemplified using a demonstration exercise, which centers on the assessment of the meaning of the concept electronic marketplace quality (EMQ). Using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods, the demonstration exercise clarifies the prerequisites for semantic differentiation and provides guidelines for researchers. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for researchers, reviewers and practice.

Keywords: Semantic differential; Measurement validation; Research methodology; Linguistics; Contextual contamination; Electronic marketplace quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
http://degree.ubvu.vu.nl/repec/vua/wpaper/pdf/20070016.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vua:wpaper:2007-16

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Serie Research Memoranda from VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by R. Dam ().