Choosing the right fit: A practical guide to selecting measurement models for tourism constructs

The recent surge in scale development studies within tourism research necessitates a critical reevaluation of our approach to construct operationalization. This paper addresses a gap in the literature by posing a fundamental question: what is the intended purpose of the scale we are developing or using? By explicitly considering this question, researchers can make informed decisions about the most appropriate measurement model option. This article presents three common research objectives, each guiding researchers towards the most suitable modelling approach. Additionally, the article offers practical guidance on avoiding common pitfalls in scale development. This framework benefits both early-career researchers new to latent variable modelling and experienced researchers seeking to refine their approach to scale development and construct operationalization.