Using Rasch measurement to evaluate a perceived improvement in access to financial asset scale in rural Lao PDR

This paper describes the process of evaluating a self-reported perceived improvement in access to finance asset scale. The scale was administered as one component of a livelihood asset scale as part of an evaluation of a humanitarian mine action programme which removed explosive remnants of war from rural communities in Lao PDR. Previous research into developing such scales has mainly used factor analytic techniques. Using an example of a “perceived improvement in access to finance assets scale”, we demonstrate the use of Rasch measurement as a means to validate the psychometric properties of asset scales. The paper illustrates the diagnostic tools and information provided by Rasch measurement, highlighting its benefits as an alternative to factor analytic techniques where rating scales are used. In addition, the paper provides an example of how subjective, experiential understandings of access to assets can complement more objective measures