Assessing the Fidelity of STEM Professional Identity Statuses using Cut-Off Scores for Small Populations

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This study utilized a cross-sectional research study design to compare identity status assignments based on the Professional Identity Status Questionnaire (PISQ-5d) categories scores for affirmation, in-depth exploration, practices, commitment, and reconsideration of commitment via both cluster analysis and cutoff scores with respect to the two-factor, three-factor, or five-factor identity status models proposed by Marcia, Crocetti, and Kelly, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine if cutoff scores could be utilized in lieu of cluster analysis for smaller populations. It was found that cut-off scores aligned with Marcia’s framework were aligned with more robust statistical cluster analysis.