A Validated Instrument to Measure Media Literacy in Adolescents

What is this article about?

This article explains the development and validation of a 42-item questionnaire designed to assess media literacy levels in adolescents aged 13 to 15. Valle-Razo, Torres-Toukoumidis, and Romero-Rodríguez base their tool on Ferrés and Piscitelli’s six-dimension media competence model, integrating audiovisual stimuli to increase relevance and engagement among young respondents.

Why is it important?

In an increasingly digital world, media literacy is a critical skill for teens navigating complex, mediated environments. This instrument fills a gap in validated tools for Spanish-speaking contexts, supporting both educational curricula and public policy interventions targeting youth digital skills and safety.

Key Features of the Tool

1. Based on a recognized theoretical framework

• Uses the Ferrés & Piscitelli (2012) six-dimension model: language, technology, production, interaction, ideology, and aesthetics

• Includes 55 indicators condensed into 42 questions

2. Includes digital and audiovisual components

• Designed on Google Forms

• Integrates videos, images, and interactive formats to engage teens

3. Validated through expert review and pilot testing

• Reviewed by six media literacy experts

• Piloted in two educational communities to ensure reliability and clarity

Methodology and Application

• Mixed-methods approach (quantitative questionnaire + qualitative interviews)

• Sample: 63 adolescents (aged 13–15)

• Questionnaire divided into six thematic blocks: demographics, infrastructure, social media, usage habits, media opinions, media functions

• Scoring: up to 119 points; average group performance was 69%

Key Findings

• Gender gap: Girls scored higher on average than boys

• Older teens performed better, supporting the “developmental maturity” hypothesis

• Strongest competence: ideology and values (e.g., identifying stereotypes)

• Weakest: aesthetic interpretation and media language

• Most common tech use: entertainment and peer communication, not education

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of this instrument?
A: To evaluate media literacy across functional, critical, and reflective dimensions in teens.

Q: What makes it different from other tests?
A: It uses contemporary audiovisual content, is validated by experts, and aligns with a robust theoretical model.

Q: Who can use it?
A: Researchers, educators, and policymakers aiming to assess or improve adolescent media education.

Q: Is the tool adaptable?
A: Yes. Content can be updated to reflect current media trends and regional differences.