Revision of Research Capacity Self-rating Scales of Nursing Staff and its reliability and validity

Abstract

Objective To revise the Research Capacity Self-Rating Scales of Nursing Staff and test its reliability and validity. Methods Based on the definition of scientific research capacity, the initial dimensions and items of Research Capacity Self-Rating Scales of Nursing Staff was formed by literature review, semi-structured interview and experts evaluation. The content validity was evaluated by experts, and the face validity by nursing staffs. 600 nurses were investigated by convenient sampling.The reliability and validity and discrimination of the scale were tested. Results Research Capacity Self-Rating Scales of Nursing Staff were selected in 7 dimensions including the capacity of find problem, research design, scientific research practice,innovation, information retrieval, data processing and writing. Scale-level Content validity index was 0.94. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of Research Capacity Self-rating Scales of Nursing Staff was 0.964, the Cronbach alpha coefficients of the seven dimensions were 0.771-0.975, split-half reliability was 0.885. Seven factors were extracted by using principal factor analysis, cumulative contribution was 71.002%. The correlation coefficient between the Scientific Research Capacity Self-rating Scales of Nursing Staff and General Self-Efficacy Scale was 0.649 (P=0.000). The discrimination was better. Conclusions The Research Capacity Self-rating Scales of Nursing Staff revised shows good reliability and validity. It can objectively evaluate scientific research capacity of nursing staff and provide scientific reference for further improving the research capacity of the nursing staff. Key words: Nursing staff; Research capacity; Scale; Reliability; Validity