2nd-order Factor Research Articles

Matrix deformation of marls in a foreland fold-and-thrust belt: The example of the eastern Jaca basin, southern Pyrenees

In this study, we used the Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) to investigate the matrix strain record of two calcareous shale formations, the Eocene Larrès and Pamplona Marls, along the eastern Jaca foreland fold-and-thrust belt (Southern Pyrenees). More than 1000 unoriented fragments, collected from 62 sites along 4 sub-parallel sections in the footwall of the regional Oturia thrust and through local Yebra anticline, were measured. The analysis of the degree of anisotropy (P’) and shape parameter (T) allowed to identify four types of magnetic fabrics. Type II fabrics associated with poorly deformed rocks are characterized by a relatively high anisotropy and an oblate shape. In contrast, type III fabrics, associated with strongly fractured rocks are characterized by the lowest anisotropy and a triaxial shape. Type IV and type V fabrics are characterized by increasing anisotropy and shape parameters, and are associated with the development of a weak to a slaty cleavage in rocks. The distribution of the magnetic fabric is roughly similar along the four studied sections. In the footwall of the Oturia thrust, magnetic fabrics evolve from the type V to type II over a 1000 m-long interval. By contrast, the distribution of magnetic fabric is roughly symmetric across the Yebra anticline, evolving from a dominating type II fabric in both limbs to mixed type III-type V fabrics within the 1 km-large hinge zone. The succession of the magnetic fabrics is interpreted as recording various degrees of matrix strain in response to thrusting and folding. The correlation of magnetic fabrics between the four sections highlights some along-strike variations in the extension of fabric domains that are interpreted as reflecting the local influence of 2nd-order factors, such as the syn-tectonic sedimentation. Results are integrated within the tectono-sedimentary framework of the studied area to propose a model of matrix strain related to the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of a foreland fold and thrust belt.

Functional relationships between yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and its components

Summary A field experiment was carried out in the years 2017–2019 on the fields of the Experimental Station in Chrząstowo, belonging to the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka. It was carried out for 3 years in the same split-plot design with 2 experimental factors in 3 field replicates. The following factors were studied: A – 1st order factor – maize variety: A1 – ES Bombastic (FAO 230-240) – single cross hybrid (SC), A2 – ES Abakus (FAO 230-240) – three-way cross hybrid (TC, stay-green), A3 – ES Metronom (FAO 240) – single cross hybrid (SC, stay-green + roots power). B – 2nd order factor – type of nitrogen fertilizer: B1 – control (without N application), B2 – ammonium nitrate, B3 – urea, B4 – ammonium nitrate + N-Lock, B5 – urea + N-Lock, B6 – Super N-46, B7 – UltraGran stabilo. In this study, we investigated whether there was a functional relationship between maize grain yield and ear number, TSW (thousand-seed weight), and seed number per ear. Additionally, we investigated whether there was a functional relationship between maize grain yield and ear number, TSW, and seed number per ear for each type of fertilization in a given study year, as well as for each type of fertilization regardless of year.

Validation of the Danish Version of Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) – Introducing the PTQ Short Version

Abstract: Introduction: The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) measures repetitive negative thinking and has been translated and validated in several countries. However, the PTQ has not been translated and validated in a Danish clinical sample. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PTQ in a Danish clinical population and to introduce a shorter, 9-item version of the PTQ, the PTQ-9. Methods: Participants were recruited from a multicenter randomized clinical trial ( N = 251). They all completed the PTQ and World Health Organization 5-item Wellbeing Index (WHO-5). Participants were further assessed with the 6-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A6) and the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6). Results: The 2nd order factor model with one higher order general factor and three lower order factors showed the best model fit for the PTQ and the PTQ-9. Both versions showed good internal consistency and the expected correlations with the constructs used for validation. Furthermore, using WHO-5 as primary outcome, both the PTQ and PTQ-9 versions were able to discriminate between treatment responders and nonresponders. Conclusion: The PTQ and the PTQ-9 showed satisfying psychometric properties in a Danish clinical sample, including sensitivity to change, and could be used to evaluate psychotherapeutic treatment. To minimize the burden for the patients, the PTQ-9 may be recommended for clinical use over the PTQ.

Transdiagnostic brain correlates of self-reported trait impulsivity: A dimensional structure-symptom investigation

Impulsivity transcends psychiatric diagnoses and is often related to anhedonia. This ad hoc cross-sectional investigation explored 1) whether self-reported trait impulsivity mapped onto a common structural brain substrate across healthy controls (HCs) and psychiatric patients, and 2) in a more exploratory fashion, whether impulsivity and anhedonia were related to each other and shared overlapping brain correlates. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) datasets from 234 participants including HCs (n = 109) and patients with opioid use disorder (OUD, n = 22), cocaine use disorder (CUD, n = 43), borderline personality disorder (BPD, n = 45) and schizophrenia (SZ, n = 15) were included. Trait impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and anhedonia with a subscore of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). BIS-11 global score data were available for the entire sample, while data on the BIS-11 2nd order factors attentional, motor and non-planning were additionally in hand for a subsample consisting of HCs, OUD and BPD patients (n = 116). Voxel-based morphometry analyses were conducted for identifying dimensional associations between grey matter volume and impulsivity/anhedonia. Partial correlations were further performed to exploratory test the relationships between impulsivity and anhedonia and their corresponding volumetric brain substrates. Volume of the left opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) was negatively related to global impulsivity across the entire sample and specifically to motor impulsivity in the subsample of HCs, OUD and BPD patients. Across patients anhedonia expression was negatively correlated with left putamen volume. Although there was no relationship between global impulsivity and anhedonia across all patients, only across OUD and BPD patients anhedonia was positively associated with attentional impulsivity. Finally, also across OUD and BPD patients, motor impulsivity associated left IFG volume was positively linked with anhedonia-associated volume in the left putamen. Our findings suggest a critical role of left IFG volume in self-reported global impulsivity across healthy participants and patients with substance use disorder, BPD and SZ. Preliminary findings in OUD and BPD patients further suggests associations between impulsivity and anhedonia that are related to grey matter reductions in the left IFG and putamen.

The Involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous Scale - Short Form: Factor Structure & Validation

Background: The aim of this research was to examine the psychometrics of a short form version of the multidimensional Involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous scale (IAA-SF) by assessing the factor structure, internal consistency, and predictive validity. While there are several existing measures of involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous, many are either unidimensional or are limited in their ability to gather variation in the level of involvement in the different dimensions of 12-step programs. Objective: To achieve our aim, we used exploratory and principal axis factor analysis, correlation, and logistic regression with two unique and diverse samples. Longitudinal data were collected from a northern Illinois sample of 110 post-treatment adults, and cross-sectional data were from a random sample of 296 recovery home residents in the United States. Results: Results from the first sample suggested three exploratory factors (Principles Involvement, Social Involvement, and Spiritual Involvement) that were concordant with the proposed conceptualization and were then confirmed in the second sample. A 2nd order factor of global involvement was also found. All subscales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency and were moderately associated with AA affiliation. Global and social involvement predicted greater odds of abstinence 2 years later, but principles and spiritual involvement did not. Conclusion: Overall results suggest the IAA- SF is a valid and reliable 12-item instrument for assessing involvement in the AA program, and the differential prediction suggests potential utility for a multidimensional approach to 12-step involvement.

An investigation on effect of process parameters on surface roughness and dimensional inaccuracy using Grey based Taguchi method

In milling processes, product quality is estimated from the surface finish and dimensional accuracy, which are regarded as the most significant individuating characteristics in machining. A relevant and optimal machining parametric setup is critical for machining operations for enhancing the surface quality. The main purpose of this research paper is to analyse the effect of milling process parameters on surface roughness and dimensional inaccuracy of pure copper using the carbide tool. The performance characteristics of pocket milling were optimized using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array and grey relational analysis (GRA) technique is subsequently applied to determine an optimal combination of parameters. The ANOVA technique is used to understand the importance of machining parameters on dimensional inaccuracy and surface roughness. From the experiment, it is evidently concluded that the finest combination of the parameters for pocket milling of pure copper is X3Y1Z1, i.e. at spindle speed (X) of 3000 rpm, feed rate (Y) at 200 mm/min and depth of cut (Z) at 0.1 mm. The results depicted by ANOVA demonstrate that the feed rate i.e. 77.20% is the most notable parameter affecting the dimensional accuracy and the surface roughness of the workpiece whereas spindle speed i.e. 13.72% and depth of cut i.e. 0.38% was found to be 2nd and 3rd order factors respectively.

Thai Early Childhood Education Quality Assurance Assessor Competency Development Analysis

In Thailand, starting in 2000, education quality assessment was tasked to the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA). Subsequently, 5-year cycles (rounds) were established to assess Thai educational institutions. In Round 1, 35,134 schools at the basic education level were assessed. Subsequently, numerous issues concerning the external assessors’ (EA) competency were raised. Therefore we undertook a 2nd-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the study’s three latent and 17 observed variables concerning early childhood education EA competency. Multi-stage random sampling was used to conduct the sample survey of 400 early childhood education quality assurance (QA) EAs across 40 Thai provinces covering four regions. IBM’s® SPSS® Amos™ 24 software was used for the analysis. Results revealed that EAs perceived their information technology skills (SH) as critical. This was followed by early childhood education knowledge (KA) and true friends (AA).

Effect of biopreparates on the dry matter, starching and vitamin C in potato tubers

The research was aimed at assessing the impact of growing technology with microbiological application and herbal extracts on dry matter content, starch and yields, as well as vitamin C content in two potato cultivars, as compared to traditional fungicide-based and pest control technology, and to the variant without using bio-preparations and fungicides. The results of the study were based on the field experiment conducted in 2014–2016 at in Uhnin (51°34'N, 23°02'E), slightly acidic soil. The experiment was performed by means of randomized blocks method, in dependent split-plot pattern, in three replicates. The 1st order factor was the potato cultivars (‘Vineta’ and ‘Satina’), while the 2nd order factor was six crop technologies. Organic and mineral fertilization of potato was uniform. The applied cultivation techniques using microbiological preparations, herbal extracts and fungicide applications contributed to a significant increase in the dry matter content, vitamin C, while did not significant influence on dry matter yield. Reaction of cultivars towards the bio-preparations used has varied.

Análisis confirmatorio de la versión reducida del Cuestionario de Dimensiones y Estilos Parentales (PSDQ) en una muestra portuguesa

En el área de los estudios sobre la familia se ha puesto en evidencia la importancia de las prácticas educativas parentales en varios dominios del desarrollo infantil. La conceptualización de Baumrind sobre los estilos parentales dio un impulso relevante en esta área, proponiendo un modelo que distinguía tres estilos diferentes: autoritativo, autoritario y permisivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar la estructura factorial, la consistencia interna y otras propiedades psicométricas de la versión portuguesa del Cuestionario de Estilos y Dimensiones Parentales (PSDQ). Participaron 424 padres y madres (81.2% de madres) residentes en el Algarve (Sur de Portugal) que han completado el PSDQ y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. El instrumento original contiene 32 ítems de los cuales 12 se refieren al estilo autoritativo, 15 ítems al estilo autoritario y 5 al estilo permisivo. Se han testado varios modelos con diferentes soluciones usando el análisis confirmatorio factorial (un factor, tres factores y otro en que las variables latentes estaban organizadas en factores de primer y segundo nivel). Se testó un cuarto modelo que incluía inter-correlaciones entre los ítems 7 y 8, que mostró un ajuste y consistencia interna más adecuados que los anteriores. Estos resultados confirman la estructura original del PSDQ. Las implicaciones para su uso y posibles contribuciones para el estudio del ajuste infantil son discutidas.

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Threat Appraisal Questionnaire for Children (TAQ-C)

Despite the emphasis on threat appraisal in cognitive models of anxiety, self-report measures of related processes in children and adolescents have been lacking. This paper reports on the development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of a new measure of threat appraisal for children and adolescents – the Threat Appraisal Questionnaire for Children (TAQ-C). Based on current conceptualisations of threat appraisal, the TAQ-C was designed to index the construct across three dimensions: probability, cost, and coping difficulties. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to examine this structure in a community sample of n = 312 children (ages 9–15 years, 55% female). Results indicated that the scores on the instrument capture three factors (Probability, Cost and Coping difficulties). Moreover, a model in which the 1st-order factors loaded significantly on a single 2nd order factor of threat in general, was supported. The TAQ-C was found to demonstrate good internal consistency, and acceptable levels of test-retest reliability within a 3–4 week interval, when evaluated with a subsample of n = 51 children. Support for convergent validity was demonstrated, with TAQ-C scores found to correlate strongly with existing measures of child anxiety, and conceptually related cognitive processes. Divergent validity was also evidenced, with low correlations found between TAQ-C scores and the unrelated construct measure of Hyperactivity-Inattention. The TAQ-C, therefore, appears to be a promising measure with a range of potential applications for child and adolescent settings.

The moderating effects of parenting styles on the relation between the internet attitudes and internet behaviors of high-school students in Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to investigate how parenting styles moderate the relation between the Internet attitudes and behaviors of high-school-aged students in Taiwan. We review the literature on studies of parenting styles and Internet attitudes, and their relations between Internet behaviors. We employed Latent Class Analysis to cluster the child-reported parenting styles. In this regard, we found that there exist three types of parenting styles in Taiwan. We in turn implemented the 2nd-order confirmatory factor analysis to validate the 6-T internet attitude model. The so-called 6-T internet attitude model is to explain the Internet attitude by the multi-dimensions such as Tool, Telephone, Toy, Territory, Treasure and Trade. It provides the basis on which we conducted the structural regression modeling. Three kinds of Internet behavior “online social compensation seeking”, “online game addiction” and “information security behavior” are analyzed in our research. We used the structural regression modeling to incorporate the 2nd-order confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis so that we can tell the moderating effects of parenting styles on the relation between Internet attitudes and Internet behavior by multi-group analysis. The result revealed that parenting styles have moderation effect on the relation between Internet attitude and “information security behavior”. Implications of the findings were discussed followed by the statistical analysis.

Factorial Invariance of the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey Among Single- Versus Multi-Family Housing Residents

Purpose: Individual perceptions of one's neighborhood environment influence decisions about physical activity participation. Differences between single-family housing neighborhoods versus multi-family housing neighborhoods may affect perceptions and lead to varying responses on surveys designed to assess perceptions of the neighborhood environment for physical activity. This study tested the factorial invariance for the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey (PANES) between residents of single-family versus multi-family housing neighborhoods. Method: This study was a secondary data analysis of PANES ratings from African American and Hispanic or Latina women (n = 324) who participated in the Health Is Power study (NCI R01CA109403), a multi-site, community-based trial to investigate the relationship between neighborhood factors and physical activity adoption and maintenance. Factorial invariance was tested using a series of nested confirmatory factor analysis models. Results: The final model was a 2nd-order factor structure with partial invariance of item intercepts. The 2nd-order factor structure and the relationships of the PANES items to the 1st-order factors (amenable, unsafe, and walkable) and of the 1st-order factors to the 2nd-order factor (environment) were invariant between the single-family and multi-family housing neighborhood groups. Conclusion: These findings support the construct validity of PANES, which can be considered valid for measuring neighborhood perceptions among residents of neighborhoods with different housing types.

Inventário de medos III: Avaliação das qualidades psicométricas em uma amostra portuguesa

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as qualidades psicométricas do Fear Survey Schedule-III, em uma amostra portuguesa. Participaram 1.980 sujeitos selecionados por conveniência a partir de uma população adulta normativa. As idades dos participantes estavam compreendidas entre os 18 e os 80 anos (M = 39,5, DP = 8,5), sendo 59% do sexo feminino. As qualidades psicométricas da escala foram avaliadas em suas facetas de sensibilidade psicométrica, validade de construto e confiabilidade. A validade externa de construto foi avaliada com análise multigrupos em amostra aleatória e independente da amostra de validação inicial. O modelo fatorial original proposto apresentou um ajustamento inaceitável à amostra de validação. Procedeu-se ao refinamento do modelo de medida em uma parte da amostra, selecionada aleatoriamente. Em conclusão, o modelo de medida simplificado apresentou uma boa qualidade de ajustamento fatorial e foi invariante em uma segunda amostra independente da primeira. Propôs-se uma nova estrutura hierárquica, com fator de 2ª ordem designado por "Medos", que revelou boas qualidades psicométricas (sensibilidade, validade de construto e confiabilidade).

A structural assessment of the 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children and its relations to anxiety symptoms.

Theoretical models of anxiety have been developed in adult populations. The applicability of these models in child samples has been assessed using downward extensions of the questionnaires developed to assess the proposed theoretical mechanisms. This poses a challenge, as children are still in the process of developing the skills that are being assessed. Psychometrically sound assessment tools are therefore needed for this developing population, in order to ensure the early detection of mechanisms leading to anxiety disorders in children. This study examined if metacognitions, which play a key role in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, can also be reliably assessed in childhood. The study investigated the psychometric properties of the 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ-C₃₀; Gerlach, Adam, Marschke, & Melfsen, 2008) in a national sample of 974 children and adolescents (538 girls) ages 9-17 years. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 5-factor subscale structure and a 2nd-order total scale factor, which corresponds with previous versions of the scale. MCQ-C₃₀ expectedly correlated significantly with anxiety symptoms and worry. Structural equation modeling revealed that both obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms regressed significantly onto the MCQ-C₃₀. We fitted separate models for children and adolescents, and no noticeable differences are suggested between the models. Female gender was, expectedly, associated with increased levels of general metacognitions. This gender effect was mediated by level of anxiety. Overall, the MCQ-C₃₀ exhibited acceptable psychometric properties in our community sample of children ages 9-17 years. Future studies should investigate the psychometric properties of the instrument in clinical samples and samples of younger children.

The Quality of Life in hand eczema questionnaire: validation of a new assessment instrument

Background: Health related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is a patient reported outcome (PRO) used to evaluate clinical trials in various diseases. Health economic decisions are often based on HRQOL data, especially where the disease of interest is a chronic non life-threatening condition. Since there is no disease-specific HRQOL instrument to assess the impairments of patients with hand eczema (HE) we set out to develop an instrument to assess HE-specific HRQOL. The development process was done in an international group in order to receive an instrument which works in a culturally equivalent manner in different countries. Here we present the validation study of the German language version of the Quality of Life in hand eczema Questionnaire (QOLHEQ). Methods: The QOLHEQ was assessed up to three times in n = 316 HE patients. To explore construct validity we additionally assessed dermatology-specific (Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-17) and generic (EuroQol -5 Dimensions (EQ -5D) HRQOL-instruments, a physician global assessment (PGA) of the HE and the disease severity as rated by the patient. The psychometric properties of the QOLHEQ were assessed using the Rasch model for each of the four subscales (symptoms, emotions, functioning and treatment/prevention) and a structural equation model to confirm the multi-dimensional structure of the QOLHEQ. We used several indices to test the responsiveness ofthe instrument. The analyses were done using AMOS 20, SPSS 20 and Rumm2030, Results: The study population was aged18 to 81 years (Mean: 46.7, SD 12.9), 45.9% were males. The PGA was normally distributed across the sample. After minor adaptations in the coding of two items all four subscales showed neither violations nor significant misfit to the Rasch model. The data revealed also a good fit to the structural equation model with HRQOL as primary construct and the four subscales as 2nd order factors. As expected the QOLHEQ showed a strong correlation with the dermatology-specific instruments (DLQI: r = 0.75 Skindex-17: r = 0.85) and a medium correlation with the EQ-5D (r =-0.51), the PGA (r = 0.34) and the disease severity reported by the patient (r = 0.59). The sensitivity to change of the QOLHEQ was superior compared with the other HRQOL-instruments as indicated by various responsiveness indices. Discussion: We have successfully developed and validated a diseases-specific HRQOL-instrument for HE. The QOLHEQ consists of 30 items assessing four relevant domains of HRQOL in HE patients and is ready to use in the German version. It's psychometric properties and responsiveness make it superior in assessing HRQOL in HE patients compared to other skin-disease specific or generic instruments. Other language versions (English, Danish, Finish, Japanese, Swedish and Turkish) will be available soon enabling scientists to compare their HRQOL data across countries.

Factorial Structure of the Spanish Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales in HIV Patients

The factor structure of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (Radloff in Appl Psychol Meas 1(3):385-401, 1977) was examined in two independent samples of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. The first sample, composed of HIV patients undergoing hospital follow-up, was used to explore the factor structure of the CES-D. The second sample, composed of HIV patients confined in prison, was used to confirm the factor structure previously found. In both samples the best structure accounting for data was three 1st-order factors with a general 2nd-order factor of depression. We found a strong factorial invariance of this structure across samples, pointing out a high consistency of results in HIV patients. Additionally, the cut-off score for depression screening in this population was studied.

Exploring the Underlying Factor Structure of the Parent Reading Belief Inventory (PRBI): Some Caveats

Research Findings: The present study explored the underlying factor structure proposed a priori by the developer of the Parent Reading Belief Inventory (PRBI: B. D. DeBaryshe, 1995) using a local independent sample. The PRBI was developed to assess maternal beliefs about reading aloud to children and was designed to measure attitudes, perceptions, and values about how children learn, the content of what they learn, as well as parental teaching efficacy. The PRBI is purported to have 7 underlying subscales and a total score. Analyses showed internal consistency estimates that were similar to those reported by the authors of the PRBI. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we found good fit for only 2 of the 7 dimensions (Reading Instruction and Resources) and poor fit for overall models for the entire PRBI scale when modeled using a 2nd-order factor, correlated factors, or a single general factor. Practice or Policy: Limitations and future research are discussed.

Clinical validity of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62): Further evaluation and clinical applications.

Self-report instruments of psychological symptoms are increasingly used in counseling centers but rely on rigorous evaluation of their clinical validity. Three studies reported here (total N = 26,886) investigated the validity of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62; Locke et al., 2011) as an assessment and screening instrument. In Study 1, initial evidence regarding the concurrent validity of the CCAPS-62 was replicated and extended in a naturalistic clinical sample of clients from 16 counseling centers. Using this sample, convergent validity of the subscales was examined in counseling center clients, the range of sensitivity of the subscales was investigated using item-response theory, and the presence of 2nd-order factors was preliminarily examined. In Study 2, 7 of the 8 CCAPS-62 subscales statistically significantly differentiated between students in counseling and those who were not, using data collected from a large national survey, although most differences were small and the groups' distributions overlapped considerably. Cut scores based on the differences between these clinical and nonclinical populations showed limited utility due to overall similarities between these broadly defined groups. In Study 3, therapist-rated diagnoses collected from 5 university counseling centers were used to further examine the validity of subscale scores. In addition, cut points for diagnostic screening using receiver operating characteristic curves were evaluated. Overall, these studies support the use of the CCAPS-62 as an initial measure of psychological symptoms in college counseling settings, provide additional information about its psychometric performance, develop cut scores, and illustrate the potential for collaboration between practitioners and researchers on a large scale.

Positive classroom motivational environments: Convergence between mastery goal structure and classroom social climate.

In a series of 4 studies we investigated the relations of mastery goal structure and 4 dimensions of the classroom social climate (teacher academic support, teacher emotional support, classroom mutual respect, task-related interaction). We conducted multidimensional scaling with separate adolescent samples that differed considerably (i.e., by racial and demographic characteristics, grade level, and educational contexts). Studies 1, 2, and 3 (Ns = 537, 537, and 736, respectively) showed that mastery goal structure items occupied a central space among the climate items and overlapped partially with the areas formed by the respect and academic and emotional support items. In Study 4 (N = 789) we investigated the structural relations of mastery goal structure and the 4 social climate scales with another adolescent sample. Using confirmatory factor analysis we compared these 2 models: (a) all 5 measures at the same level and (b) mastery goal structure as a 2nd-order factor, with the 4 social climate measures as its indicators. The fit for both models was good, although the 1st-order model fit was better. Nevertheless, in the 2nd-order model mastery goal structure accounted for between 92% and 67% of the variance in the climate measures.

Orthogonal higher order structure and confirmatory factor analysis of the French Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III).

According to the most widely accepted Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model of intelligence measurement, each subtest score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults (3rd ed.; WAIS-III) should reflect both 1st- and 2nd-order factors (i.e., 4 or 5 broad abilities and 1 general factor). To disentangle the contribution of each factor, we applied a Schmid-Leiman orthogonalization transformation (SLT) to the standardization data published in the French technical manual for the WAIS-III. Results showed that the general factor accounted for 63% of the common variance and that the specific contributions of the 1st-order factors were weak (4.7%-15.9%). We also addressed this issue by using confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicated that the bifactor model (with 1st-order group and general factors) better fit the data than did the traditional higher order structure. Models based on the CHC framework were also tested. Results indicated that a higher order CHC model showed a better fit than did the classical 4-factor model; however, the WAIS bifactor structure was the most adequate. We recommend that users do not discount the Full Scale IQ when interpreting the index scores of the WAIS-III because the general factor accounts for the bulk of the common variance in the French WAIS-III. The 4 index scores cannot be considered to reflect only broad ability because they include a strong contribution of the general factor.