Gregory Research Beliefs Scale: Factor Structure and Internal Consistency

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the factor structure and internal consistency of the Gregory Research Beliefs Scale (GRBS). Method: Data were collected from subject matter experts, a pilot study, an online sample, and a classroom sample. Psychometric analyses were conducted after combining the online and classroom samples. Results: An a priori four-factor model was not supported via confirmatory factor analysis. Principal component analyses were used to reduce the items to a one-factor model with salient structure coefficients, face validity, and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93. Discussion and Applications: Future research should evaluate factor invariance and the construct and criterion validity of the GRBS. However, given the limitations of scales that measure similar constructs, the GRBSs brings the social work profession closer to effectively quantifying an internally consistent and homogenous latent variable that may be related to evidence-based practice.