This paper outlines the measurement approach for a study examining the relationship between social modeling and alcohol use among college students. The dependent variable — alcohol use — is assessed using the 24-item Young Adult Alcohol Problems Screening Test (Hurlbut & Sher, 1992), which captures past-year frequency of negative consequences associated with drinking. The independent variable — social modeling — is measured using a five-item self-report instrument adapted by Wood et al. (2001) from Jessor, Jessor, and Donovan (1981), capturing close friends' attitudes toward drinking and typical consumption quantities. The paper also describes a cross-domain analytical framework for examining associations between alcohol use and social influence variables, including alcohol offers, social modeling, and perceived norms, with attention to mediating roles of fraternity groups and other social organizations.
For the dependent variable (i.e., drinking), the 24-item Young Adult Alcohol Problems Screening Test (Hurlbut & Sher, 1992) will be used. This test assesses past-year frequency of several common negative consequences of alcohol use, including drinking and driving, feeling physically sick, neglecting responsibilities, and engaging in unwanted sexual behaviors. Items will be rated on a continuous scale ranging from either 0 (never) to 9 (4 or more times) or, for consequences with lower base rates, from 0 (never) to 4 (3 or more times).
For the independent variable (i.e., social modeling), the measure created by Wood et al. (2001), who adapted it from five self-report items previously used by Jessor, Jessor, and Donovan (1981), will be employed. Participants will be queried about close friends' attitudes toward drinking and getting drunk, as well as the average quantity of alcohol consumed per occasion by close friends. Attitude items will be rated on a 5-point continuous response scale ranging from 0 (strongly disapprove) to 4 (strongly approve). Response options for typical quantity consumed will range from 0 (close friends don't drink) to 4 (more than 6 drinks).
"Cross-domain models linking social influence to alcohol use"
"Cited sources for all measurement instruments used"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.