Measuring identity orientations for understanding preferences: A French validation of the aspects-of-identity questionnaire

Résumé 0

Concepts and results from the psychological research on identity may provide better understanding of the formation and dynamics of economic preferences. In this perspective, we propose a French translation of the Aspect of Identity IV (AIQ-IV) psychometric questionnaire, which measures the orientation of subjective identity along personal, relational, public, and collective dimensions (Cheek et Briggs [1982], [2013]). The psychometric validation study checks the internal consistency, as well as the four-dimensional factorial structure, of the questionnaire in a representative sample of French young adults (N = 1,118). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of item responses reveal a four-factor structure that corresponds to the personal, relational, public, and collective aspects of identity. Individual responses are found to be stable over time. In addition, while being correlated with similar psychological constructs (self-esteem, social self-esteem, self-consciousness), dimensions of the AIQ also predicts risk, time, and social preferences as measured by Likert scales and hypothetical choices. JEL Codes: B41, C38, D91.