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Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 4/2008

01-12-2008 | Original Paper

The Validity and Reliability of Four Measures of Gambling Behaviour in a Sample of Singapore University Students

Authors: David Arthur, Wai Leng Tong, Chia Pei Chen, Ai Yun Hing, Miharu Sagara-Rosemeyer, Ee Heok Kua, Jeanette Ignacio

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 4/2008

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Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of measures for detecting problem gamblers for use with university students in a Singapore context. The four instruments commonly used in gambling research, the DSM-IV, GA-20, SOGS and CPGI were administered to a sample of students (n = 193) from a representative cross section of faculties from one university. The CPGI was found to be the most reliable (α = 0.922) and valid in terms of construct validity as demonstrated by factor analysis. Despite being a lengthy instrument it is recommended that future studies such as randomized controlled trials of problem gambling interventions in Singapore adopt a modified version of the CPGI, made simpler and easier to use with fewer items and more appropriate terminology.
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Metadata
Title
The Validity and Reliability of Four Measures of Gambling Behaviour in a Sample of Singapore University Students
Authors
David Arthur
Wai Leng Tong
Chia Pei Chen
Ai Yun Hing
Miharu Sagara-Rosemeyer
Ee Heok Kua
Jeanette Ignacio
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 4/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-008-9103-y

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