Use of the Facts on Aging Quiz in New Zealand: Validation of Questions, Performance of a Student Sample, and Effects of a Don't Know Option

Abstract Palmore's (1977) first Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ1) was modified for use in New Zealand. Validation of FAQ1 questions involved background research to establish the appropriateness of the questions in the New Zealand context. Of the 25 questions in the quiz, 16 were chosen for validation on the grounds of possible cross-cultural differences. Of these, 15 were judged to be valid for the New Zealand context; the remaining question was changed substantially. Undergraduate students at a large tertiary institution (N = 218 ) were administered the modified FAQ1, in either the original True-False format, or with a "Don't Know" option added. Performance was similar to that of comparable student samples in the U.S. and Australia, in terms of overall score and relative frequency of particular misconceptions. Addition of a "Don't Know" option reduced guessing and increased internal consistency, as predicted. Limitations of the question validation process, as well as its benefits for instructors, are discussed.