Abstract
Research scales developed in one society are often validated in another society to
determine the factor structure and measurement equivalence of the scales. Using a convenience
sample of 378 respondents from two cross-sectional studies, the present analyses examined
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and gender invariance in the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance
Scale (IRMA) in Nigeria. Specifically, the analyses examined whether the scale holds similar
factor structure, whether the latent means can be compared, and whether respondents interpreted
items similarly or ascribed the same meaning to them across gender. Based on the analyses, CFA
results validated the hypothesized multidimensional four-factor structure of IRMA, namely “She
asked for it,” “He didn’t mean to,” “It wasn’t really rape,” and “She lied.” Similarly, the IRMA
measurement was invariant (partial scalar invariance) across gender, suggesting that men and
women interpreted IRMA’s items and constructs similarly. Results of an independent-samples t
test suggested that women were more likely than men to reject the myth that female victim of
rape “lied.” In general, preliminary findings indicated that IRMA is suitable for research on rape
myths in Nigeria. Knowledge generated from its use may enhance understanding of rape myths,
rape-supportive behaviors, and rape prevention and victim intervention programs.