Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach Research Articles

Structural determinants of the uptake of cyber-physical systems for facilities management – a confirmatory factor analysis approach

Structural determinants of the uptake of cyber-physical systems for facilities management – a confirmatory factor analysis approach

Sex/gender differences in general cognitive abilities: an investigation using the Leiter-3.

Research has shown that differences between males and females are not in general intelligence, but only in some specific factors and tasks. We used the Italian standardization of the Leiter-3, which is a completely nonverbal cognitive battery, to investigate the nature of sex/gender (we used sex/gender to reflect the awareness that the effects of biological 'sex' and socially constructed 'gender' cannot be easily separated and that most individuals' identities are informed by both sex and gender) differences. In doing so we used a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis approach. Results confirmed that males and females perform similarly in general intelligence, but present with some specificities. Males perform better on some, but not all, tasks requiring the spatial manipulation of the stimuli, but females consistently outperform males in tasks such as the nonverbal Stroop, requiring inhibition and attention control to a larger extent. The clinical and practical implications of our findings are considerable. The identification of specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses in males and females underscores the importance of tailored approaches in clinical assessments and interventions.

Validation of the Malay version of the recovery-stress questionnaire for athletes: Application of confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling

The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-52) is a tool developed to measure the frequency of stress associated through recovery activities with strong theoretical foundations. The study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of RESTQ-Sport-52 using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method was employed. There were 617 undergraduate university students in Malaysia participated in the study with mean age of 20 years old (SD = 1.5). The majority of the participants were female (66.1 %), Malay (76 %) and participated in at least one sport or exercise. The RESTQ-Sport-52-M consisted of 52 items with two main sections; (1) general stress and recovery scales and (2) sport-specific stress and recovery scales. Mplus 8.3 was used to perform the CFA and ESEM analysis to examine the construct validity and reliability of RESTQ-Sport-52-M. For measurement model assessment using CFA, the final model of general-stress/recovery and sport-specific stress/recovery indicated a fit based on several fit indices. However, in the measurement model assessment using ESEM, the fit indices for model of general-stress/recovery (CFI = 0.935, SRMR = 0.037, RMSEA = 0.045) and sport-stress/recovery (CFI = 0.923, SRMR = 0.036, RMSEA = 0.044) were generally improved. The construct reliability for measurement models of RESTQ-Sport-52-M ranged from 0.76 to 0.89. The ESEM approach yielded a better fit indices compared to the CFA approach for both scales. The RESTQ-Sport-52-M (50 items) were considered a more valid and reliable questionnaire to measure recovery and stress in sports for Malaysian sample.

Validating the Chinese version of short‐form foreign language classroom anxiety scale

AbstractThis three‐phase study utilized item response theory (IRT) and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) approaches to validate the short‐form foreign language classroom anxiety scale (S‐FLCAS) for measuring Chinese college students' foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA). The sample consisted of 855 Chinese college students. Phase 1 was conducted within the EFA and CFA frameworks to investigate the construct validity of the S‐FLCAS. Phase 2 was conducted within IRT frameworks to assess the reliability of this scale. Lastly, Phase 3 adopted multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to explore the measurement invariance across gender and second language (L2) learner groups. The findings revealed that the Chinese version of S‐FLCAS is a reliable and valid instrument, exhibiting unidimensional characteristics. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance were identified across gender groups, while configural, partial metric, and partial scalar invariance were observed across L2 groups. This study further discussed the reasons for some suboptimal performance of the S‐FLCAS and practical implications for researchers and university educators.

Executive function's structure in monolingual and bilingual adults using confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract In processing their two languages, bilinguals have to selectively attend to the target language and reduce interference from the non-target language. This experience may have specific cognitive consequences on Executive Functions (EF) through bilingual language processing. Some studies found cognitive consequences in executive functioning skills. However, other studies did not replicate these findings or found a bilingual disadvantage. The aim of this study was to test for the cognitive consequences of bilingualism in EF among a large number of young adults using a latent variable approach, to rule out non-EF task differences as an explanation for inconsistency across studies. Also, we were interested in testing the EF structure using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approach. The results did not support a cognitive consequence of bilingualism and also the EF structure was the same for both groups. We discuss other possible variables that might contribute to the mixed results across studies.

Empirical assessment of the impacts of Sino-African cross border relations in the construction industry: a Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach

PurposeIt is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.Originality/valueThe study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Food Life Questionnaire-Short Form among Brazilian Adult Women.

Measures of beliefs and attitudes toward food have generally been limited to the measurement of more pathological eating attitudes (e.g., disordered eating). The Food Life Questionnaire (FLQ) and its short form (FLQ-SF) were developed to examine attitudes toward a broader range of foods; however, the factor structure of the FLQ-SF was not confirmed in any study with young women. In the present study, we performed a psychometric evaluation of the Brazilian Portuguese translation of the FLQ-SF in a sample of 604 women. We evaluated the factor structure using a two-step, split-sample exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approach. Results supported a four-factor structure (i.e., weight concern, diet-health orientation, belief in a diet-health linkage, and food and pleasure) with 18 items (χ2/df = 2.09; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.05 (90% CI = 0.04; 0.06; p > 0.05); and SRMR = 0.08). Additionally, we found good internal consistency for all FLQ-SF subscales (McDonald's ω = 0.79-0.89) and convergent validity with measures of feelings, beliefs, and behaviors involved in food attitudes. Collectively, these results support the use of the FLQ-SF in Brazilian women and provide a foundation to expand the literature on beliefs and attitudes toward food in this population.

Analysis of the Influence of Product Cost and Perceived Advertising Costs Through Digital Devices on Digital Brand Equity of American Fast-Food Products McDonalds

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate and examine how perceived advertising budget and pricing deals affect perceived quality and brand image, as well as how brand loyalty, brand awareness, and brand image are affected. Descriptive research is what this study is doing. The research approach employed by the investigators was a cross-sectional design. In this study, a questionnaire is used to collect data. This study's target demographic consists of all individuals who have visited, seen, and bought merchandise. Scientists employed judgmental sampling, a non-probability sampling method. One hundred persons made up the research sample. This study makes use of the confirmatory factor analysis approach in conjunction with the SEM data processing technology. The analysis's findings indicated that perceived advertising spending positively impacted perceived quality. Brand loyalty is positively impacted by perceived ad spend. Brand recognition is positively impacted by perceived ad spending. Brand image benefits from perceived advertising expenditure. Discounts on prices positively impact the perception of quality. Discounts have a detrimental effect on a brand's reputation. Thus, these results provide important insights for companies in designing their marketing strategies. They need to carefully consider the allocation of their promotional funds, ensuring that investment in perceived advertising spending is balanced with the benefits derived while also being mindful of the risks associated with excessive use of price deals. By understanding the relationship between these factors, companies can optimize their marketing efforts to strengthen their brand image and improve their product performance in the marketplace.

The study of digital literacy components for youths during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand

<span lang="EN-US">This research paper investigates digital literacy components for youths in Bangkok. The first phase used a qualitative method. The key informants were eight experts in information and communication technology (ICT), human resource (HR), and education. The second phase was to develop the measurement of digital literacy components using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) approach with a sample consisting of 1,362 youths in Bangkok. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire with 52 questions. The results revealed that digital literacy criteria for youths in Bangkok consisted of four factors containing 13 indicators. The first factor and its related access components was three subcomponents, which are i) use of tools and devices; ii) data collection in the cloud; and iii) internet connection. The second factor was understanding components consisting of evaluation, ethics, and legal literacy. The third factor was use of components consisting of safeguarding, search, sharing, and innovation. The fourth factor was creating components consisting of creating weblogs/applications, presenting on website/application, and safeguarding. CFA was employed to test the construct validity of the research latent variables that revealed the harmony correlation of empirical data contained in this research model. These results were employed to develop a digital literacy for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand.</span>

Measurement of Model Business Environment, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Innovation Capability: Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the Indonesian economy and are regarded to have the potential to reduce poverty by creating employment opportunities. Malang City predominantly relies on micro, small, and medium-scale economic activities, particularly Batik MSMEs, which are crucial in supporting the tourism sector. The term commonly used to refer to Malang Batik is "Malangan" Batik. This research aims to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to examine the measuring model of the business environment, entrepreneurial orientation, and innovation capacity. A total of 100 batik micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malang City were selected as the sample for this research. The data analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) methodologies. According to the results of the confirmatory factor analysis, it was determined that the customer indicator had the most significant impact on shaping business environment variables. Risk-taking is regarded as the primary factor that significantly influences the formation of the entrepreneurial orientation characteristic. Marketing innovation is the most reliable sign of developing innovation capabilities. Malang City's Batik MSME companies are actively engaging in collaboration with suppliers, demonstrating a proactive approach in seeking market prospects and promoting new goods in untapped areas. Additionally, there is a need to enhance technological innovation.

Investigating the determinants of construction project complexity impacting project success: an India perspective

The problem of time and cost overruns has been prominent in the Indian construction industry, reporting project complexity as a causal parameter for the volatility in cost and schedule parameters of project performance impacting their success. This paper examines the construct of construction project complexity and explores the significant determinants of project complexity. The study identifies twenty-three determinants of project complexity specific to project success parameters of time and cost, through the literature review based on the mapping of complex system properties, project characteristics, and success parameters as derived through existing theories. These determinants were rationalized and categorized based on 110 responses from industry experts gathered through a questionnaire survey. The gathered data is analyzed using a confirmatory factor analysis approach based on the maximum likelihood estimation. The goodness of fit indices establish the fitness of the model. The analysis results establish the validity with adequate evidence of the reliability of the data. The scale comprising of organizational, technological, environmental, information, emergent, goal, and legal as the significant determinants of complexity and thus, can provide insight to project managers about the main factors that can lead to enhanced levels of decision-making while delivering in such dynamic complex project systems.

Skala Regulasi Emosi: Analisis Reliabilitas dan Validitas Konstruk melalui Pendekatan Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)

Emotion is a response shown by an individual to an event or stimulus that can affect his mental state. These emotions require control within the individual to be able to produce positive behavior, feelings and mental states in the process of emotional regulation. Measuring emotional regulation is needed to be able to describe a person's emotional control state. The aim of this research is to produce a valid and reliable emotional regulation scale. This research method is a research and development method with the ADDIE model. The population in this study was 2996 Class XI high school students in Ilir Barat 1 District, Palembang City. The total sample for this research was 102 respondents taken randomly. This research data processing uses SPSS with the product moment formula and factor analysis with a confirmatory factor analysis approach. The results of the research show that the content validity of experts states that 95% of the scale is suitable for use, and the emotional regulation scale prepared is constructively valid with 45 items with a Cronbach's alpha reliability value of 0.948. It was concluded that the emotional regulation scale was suitable for use with a larger and more diverse group of respondents.

Developing a reading proficiency scale for Chinese as a second language: a confirmatory factor analysis approach

There is a long history of operationalizing theoretical constructs of language proficiency by developing language proficiency scales. However, existing scales are not directly applicable in teaching and assessing Chinese as a second language (CSL) reading in US higher education contexts. Teachers need guidance regarding what component reading skills/knowledge should be taught and measured. This study developed a CSL Reading Proficiency Scale aligning to Koda’s (2005) theoretical framework that models L2 reading as a three-factor construct. The scale development began with modeling the construct of CSL reading ability on the basis of literature review. Drawing on this process, an operational descriptive scheme and a descriptor pool were established and subjected to expert review of content validity. Descriptors that survived expert review were then compiled into a Likert-scale questionnaire. This instrument was tested through teachers’ evaluations (N = 179) of whether CSL learners ‘can do’ what were denoted by descriptors. Confirmatory factor analysis exhibits solid goodness of fit between descriptors and the hypothesized three-factor model. The total score and the three subscale scores show high reliability. Evidence of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity indicates that the Scale measures CSL reading ability as intended. 摘要 长期以来, 外语教学和测试领域通过制定语言水平量表来描述语言水平的理论构念。然而, 现有的量表在应用于美国高校汉语作为第二语言 (CSL) 阅读教学和测试中有一些局限性。对于具体应该教和考哪些阅读子技能和子知识, 教师们需要更多的有效指导。本研究基于Koda (2005) 的三因素第二语言阅读模型, 开发了一个新的 CSL 阅读水平量表。量表的开发始于根据已有的研究来描述 CSL 阅读能力的构念。在此基础上, 作者建立了一个描述语体系和描述语语料库。语料库中 57 条通过了专家内容效度评审的描述语被编制成一套李克特量表问卷。教师使用这套问卷对 179 位 CSL学习者的阅读能力进行了评估。验证性因子分析结果显示数据与假设的三因素模型之间具有良好的拟合度。总分和三个子量表的分数都显示出很高的信度。 此外, 该量表具有很好的收敛效度、区分效度和共时效度。

The validation of financial behavior instruments for university students: An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis approach

This study aimed to develop and validate instruments for measuring financial behavioral constructs. This study contributes to looking at the habits of university students in managing pocket money earned from parents in daily life. The sample of this study is economic education students at state universities in Indonesia. Data collection was carried out through online questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out in 2 stages, namely, EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis) in a pilot study of 112 respondents and CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) of 440 respondents in the field study. The results showed that the financial behavior constructs with three dimensions, namely, saving behavior, spending behavior, and financial planning, have met the validity and reliability requirements to be used in future research. Researchers can then review other factors that affect financial behavior so that they can find other factors that can influence it. In addition, this study can also be carried out in various countries, but sufficient data support is needed if the dimensions in this construct will be used in future research.

A Genome‐Wide Search for Pleiotropy in More Than 100,000 Harmonized Longitudinal Cognitive Domain Scores

AbstractBackgroundMore than 75 common variant loci account for only a portion of the heritability for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A more complete understanding of the genetic basis of AD can be deduced by exploring associations with AD‐related endophenotypes.MethodWe conducted genome‐wide scans for cognitive domain performance using harmonized and co‐calibrated scores derived by confirmatory factor analyses for executive function, language, and memory. We analyzed 103,796 longitudinal observations from 23,066 members of community‐based (FHS, ACT, ROSMAP) and clinic‐based (ADRCs, ADNI) cohorts using generalized linear mixed models including terms for SNP, age, SNP×age interaction, sex, education, and five ancestry principal components. Significance was determined based on a joint test of the SNP’s main effect and interaction with age. Results across datasets were combined using inverse‐variance meta‐analysis. Genome‐wide tests of pleiotropy for each domain pair as the outcome were performed using PLACO software.ResultIndividual domain and pleiotropy analyses revealed genome‐wide significant (GWS) associations with five established loci for AD and AD‐related disorders (BIN1, CR1, GRN, MS4A6A, APOE) and eight novel loci. ULK2 was associated with executive function in the community‐based cohorts (rs157405, P = 2.19×10−9). GWS associations for language were identified with CDK14 in the clinic‐based cohorts (rs705353, P = 1.73×10−8) and LINC02712 in the total sample (rs145012974, P = 3.66×10−8). GRN (rs5848, P = 4.21×10−8) and PURG (rs117523305, P = 1.73×10−8) were associated with memory in the total and community‐based cohorts, respectively. GWS pleiotropy was observed for language and memory with LOC107984373 (rs73005629, P = 3.12×10−8) in the clinic‐based cohorts, and with NCALD (rs56162098, P = 1.23×10−9) and PTPRD (rs145989094, P = 8.34×10−9) in the community‐based cohorts. GWS pleiotropy was also found for executive function and memory with OSGIN1 (rs12447050, P = 4.09×10−8) and PTPRD (rs145989094, P = 3.85×10−8) in the community‐based cohorts. Functional studies have previously linked AD to ULK2, NCALD, and PTPRD.ConclusionOur results provide some insight into genes associated with domain‐specific cognitive impairment and AD, as well as a conduit toward a syndrome‐specific precision medicine approach to AD. Increasing the size of datasets by applying the confirmatory factor analysis approach to derive harmonized measures of cognitive performance would likely enhance the discovery of additional genetic factors of cognitive decline leading to AD and related dementias.

The water tap design for ablution activities considering cultural influences: a design for sustainability

Water is a vital resource that should be utilized effectively. However, it is overused and squandered on a daily need, including the unrestrained use of water for ablution purposes. This condition can be due to a lack of awareness and the influences of peer cultural values. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a water-tap design that takes into consideration the influences of cultural value. Accordingly, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) approach the significant correlation between cultural influences and user preferences on water-tap design by referring at the critical threshold output of each attribute. The result showed that collectivism and uncertainty avoidance dimensions were identified as the influencing cultural dimensions and the automatic water level-control float valve, mechanical water-taps with auto-stop function, and transparent water tanks are the most important considerations for water tap technical specification. Through the assessment of its applicability, the use of the prototype can reduce water usage by 54.6% compared to regular water-taps. Correspondingly, the approach of cultural value in the designing process is expected to give more insights to practices such as product designers when determining design specification while for knowledge, it extends the applicability of Hofstede cultural theory for product design and development.

Examining Appropriacy of CFI and TLI Cutoff Value in Multiple-Group CFA Test of Measurement Invariance to Enhance Accuracy of Test Score Interpretation

The most common effect size when using a multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis approach to measurement invariance is ΔCFI and ΔTLI with a cutoff value of 0.01. However, this recommended cutoff value may not be ubiquitously appropriate and may be of limited application for some tests (e.g., measures using dichotomous items or different estimation methods, sample sizes, or model complexity). Moreover, prior cutoff value estimations often have ignored consequences resulting in using measures that more accurately estimate countries’ or learners’ proficiency for some countries or groups versus others. In this study, we investigate whether the cutoff value proposed by Cheung and Rensvold (ΔCFI or ΔTLI > 0.01) is appropriate across educational measurement contexts. Specifically, we investigated the performance of ΔCFI and ΔTLI in capturing LOI at the scalar level in dichotomous items within item response theory on groups whose test characteristic curves differed by 0.5. Simulation results showed that the proposed cutoff value of 0.01 in ΔCFI and ΔTLI was not appropriate to capture LOI under the study conditions, which may result in the misinterpretation of test results or inaccurate inferences.

Validation of the Arabic version of the brief irritability test (Ar-BITe) in non-clinical adolescents

BackgroundDespite the substantial clinical relevance of irritability in the development and maintenance of several mental disorders and its negative effects on functioning, no valid and reliable measures are available yet to identify the presence and consequences of irritability as a distinct construct among the Arabic-speaking populations. To bridge this gap, and help advance this field in the under-researched Arab region, we aimed to validate an Arabic-language version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe).MethodsEligible participants were native Arabic-speaking non-clinical adolescents from Lebanon; 527 participants aged 15.73 ± 1.81 years (56% females) completed the survey.ResultsUtilizing the Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach, we found that the five items of the Arabic BITe loaded into a single factor structure. The scale showed excellent reliability, as both Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficient values were of 0.88. Multi-group analyses showed invariance across sex groups in our sample at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Female adolescents exhibited higher BITe scores than their male counterparts (14.01 vs. 13.25), but this difference did not reach the statistical significance. Good concurrent validity was supported based on positive correlations between irritability scores and measures of aggression, anger and hostility (r Pearson’s coefficients ranging from 0.35 to 0.42), as well as positive correlations with insomnia symptoms scores.ConclusionThe present findings allow us to conclude that the Arabic version of the BITe is a unidimensional, reliable, valid, brief, and economic self-report measure of the irritability construct for both male and female Arabic-speakers. Providing an Arabic validated version of the BITe will hopefully foster the research efforts of the Arab scientific community in this area, and promote the implementation of timely, evidence-informed and culturally-sensitive mental health interventions that appropriately address irritability-related problems and consequences among Arab young populations.

Evaluating the Impact of Cross Border Tourism and People to People Contact on the Regional Cooperation in South Asia: A Study of India and Bangladesh

ABSTRACT In these early decades of the 21st century, one of the most severe difficulties facing citizens worldwide is the task of peacefully coexisting with others in all spheres of personal and public life. This study explores whether cross-border tourism enhances the regional cooperation between the two South Asian countries of India and Bangladesh. The mediating role of people-to-people contact is also investigated. A total of 265 completed questionnaire sets, using convenient sampling, were collected through an online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) approach were used to put the suggested model through its steps and provide empirical support for the hypotheses. The results indicate that the expansion of cross-border tourism, bilateral trade, and people-to-people contact between India and Bangladesh has a favorable effect on their cross-border cooperation. The findings also show that cooperation between the countries is attributed to people-to-people contact in combination with cross-border tourism. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is an introductory study to uncover the vital significance of cross-border tourism in bridging the nations through cross-border tourism by incorporating people-to-people contact. The findings have ramifications for policymakers, planners, and government authorities attempting to enhance people-to-people communication for improved diplomatic connections.

Assessing the dimensionality of Chinese as a second language reading: a confirmatory factor analysis approach

Abstract Second language (L2) reading is a complex construct, and there is no consensus about its dimensionality. The investigation of the dimensionality of L2 reading ability is of great significance since it can provide important implications for teaching and testing. Understanding of the factor structure, subskills, and sub-knowledge of L2 reading is the starting point for language teachers and test developers to plan a syllabus, describe students’ reading proficiency, and develop reading assessments. This study investigated the factor structure of Chinese L2 reading, which has been less commonly studied compared to alphabetic languages. Three hypotheses derived from the literature review have been tested: 1) L2 reading is a unitary skill; 2) L2 reading is bi-divisible; 3) L2 reading is tri-divisible. A series of confirmatory factor analyses shows that the correlated three-factor model is the most appropriate for explaining the factor structure. L2 Chinese reading comprehension can be conceptualized as consisting of three inter-correlated components: lower-level decoding, interim-level textbase construction, and higher-level situation-model building. This study also explores subcomponents of each factor, highlighting Chinese-specific linguistic features and corresponding cognitive processes. Implications for future research, teaching, and testing are provided.