Confirmatory Factor Analysis Modeling Research Articles

Deciphering dynamic interactions among multidimensional psychological motivations, academic performance, and sociocultural adjustment: The critical influence of excessive WeChat use

As the preeminent mobile social media platform in Mainland China, WeChat's meteoric expansion has revolutionized the dynamics of interpersonal communication and the modalities of mutual interaction among individuals. Despite the escalating significance of mobile social media in the cross-cultural adaptation of international students, existing scholarly works have largely neglected the underlying relationship between psychological motivations, excessive WeChat use, academic performance, and sociocultural adaptation of these students. Anchored in uses and gratifications theory and cross-cultural adaptation paradigm, the primary objectives of this study are to devise a theoretical model and to scrutinize differential psychological motivations propelling international students' WeChat usage, its association with excessive WeChat use, and impacts on academic performance and sociocultural adjustment. The proposed model undergoes meticulous evaluation through data amassed online from 598 Chinese international students studying in Germany. Sequential analytical techniques, especially Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling, were employed to elucidate the dynamic interplay among key variables. The final results validate the path effect suggesting that both hedonic and social motivations are positive predictors of excessive WeChat use. Moreover, excessive WeChat use is negatively correlated with academic performance and sociocultural adjustment. However, utilitarian motivation is not significantly related to excessive WeChat use. By demystifying the driving factors and consequences of excessive WeChat use, these findings not only accentuate the pivotal role of mobile social media in the cross-cultural adaptation of international students but also enrich the theoretical landscape and enhance the strategic approaches for educators and academic institutions.

Competing Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models in Management Research: Bifactor Modeling of the Employee Work Assessment Tool

Competing Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models in Management Research: Bifactor Modeling of the Employee Work Assessment Tool

스크린골프 서비스품질과 인지적, 감정적 반응에 관한 태도 관계

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationship among screen golf service quality, cognitive and emotional responses on attitudes. The study recruited participants who had experience participating in screen golf facilities as the target population. Surveys were distributed primarily at screen golf facilities located in the capital area of Seoul and Gyeonggi province. A total surveys of 294 were used for analysis. The data processing methods included exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, frequency analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. Based on the above results, the following conclusions are suggested. First, it was found that the physical environment aspect of screen golf facilities' service quality influences cognitive responses. Second, the physical environment aspect of screen golf facilities' service quality influences emotional responses. Third, cognitive responses were found to influence attitudes. Screen golf facilities should devise measures to improve the physical environment aspect of service quality.

Sustainable Transport in the European Union: Exploring the Net-Zero Transition through Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Gaussian Graphical Modeling

The sustainability of the transport sector is targeted by various policies adopted by the European Union, and their impact must be constantly monitored in order to maximize the desired objective. This paper, through a two-stage investigation, aims to present a systemic approach of the sustainability dimensions in transport and to introduce an innovative technique to analyze the interdependencies between them. In the first stage, relevant indicators were selected from the Eurostat database for the content of four dimensions: economic, environmental, social and technological. The robustness of the developed dimensions was assessed and validated through a confirmatory factor analysis. In the second stage, a Gaussian graphical model was estimated as a technique integrating graphical and statistical modeling to identify complex structures of linkages between variables (as components of each dimension of sustainability). The structure of the network clearly highlights the dependence of transport on fossil fuel consumption as the main determinant of pollution in the sector (CO2 emissions). In addition, the central role of railways in decarbonizing transport is highlighted, in contrast to the limited, and isolated at one end of the network, role of electric vehicles. The findings support that affordability of this new technology plays an important role in its impact on zero-emission transition. Concentrating on the period 2013–2022, at EU27 level, the results are relevant in the context of decarbonization policies, offering useful insights both for future research and policy makers.

프로축구의 CSR활동, 구단동일시, 관람만족도와 충성도 간의 구조적 관계 분석

This study investigated the relationships among corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities within K-League(South Korea’s professional football league), team identification, spectator satisfaction, and team loyalty. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted targeting individuals aged 20 and above, employing the primary data collection method of gathering a total of 251 questionnaires through non-probability convenience sampling. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 20.0, involving techniques such as frequency analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The key findings were summarized as follows: Firstly, CSR activities within K-League significantly influence team identification. Secondly, team identification significantly impacts spectator satisfaction. Thirdly, team identification influences team loyalty. Lastly, spectator satisfaction does not affect team loyalty. This research not only presented the directionality of CSR activities within the K-League but also provided valuable theoretical support and data for the K-League aiming to implement CSR activities.

Factors affecting brand attachment in the social media channels: Case of university in Vietnam

Originated from the reason that Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI)’s current social media network is still limited, specifically HaUI's Fanpage has not yet been green-checked, thereby leading to weak brand attachment have little impact on university admissions. From collecting data from information sources such as newspapers, social networking sites, the author has inherited previous studies to propose a research model and conduct quantitative research analysis. Through designing a survey questionnaire and randomly sending it to individuals who are studying and working at HaUI, specifically lecturers, staff and especially the university students. The study obtained 338 valid responses that were coded and cleaned using SPSS and AMOS software. After the cleaning and coding step, reliability testing, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted. The research has made a significant theoretical contribution in terms of the important mediation role of brand awareness, perceived quality and university reputation in the relationship between social media communication and brand attachment. From there, it also provided the practical contribution to improve the association of the brand with students, to perfectionate the social networking sites,to share positive things, interesting, attractive and relevant lessons.

Make a Charitable Birthday Wish on Facebook: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

ABSTRACT Social media fundraising has become an important tool for nonprofits to raise money. Focusing on one specific fundraising tool, Facebook birthday fundraiser, the current study developed an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model and included three external variables, relationship strength with the fundraiser creator, perceived risk regarding personal information safety, and personal relevance of the fundraising cause. An online survey was conducted to investigate their influences on Facebook users’ donation intention and behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted, and hypothetical correlations were tested. Results showed that relationship strength significantly influenced subjective norms, attitude toward the fundraiser, self-efficacy, and perceived behavior control. Perceived risk positively influenced subjective norms. Personal relevance positively affected donation intention. Relationships among factors from previous TBP studies were also tested and verified. Implications and limitations of the study were discussed.

COVID-19 experiences and cruise booking behavior: Insights from YouTube viewers applying revised protection motivation theory

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between risk perceptions (crowding risk perception, health risk perception) and self-protective behavioral intentions and booking intention for COVID-19 using the theory of protection motivation previously verified in the study and to analyze the structural relationship between all variables. In particular, it was intended to investigate the specific impact relationship between COVID-19 risk perception, including crowding risk perception and health risk perception, and self-protective behavior and cruise booking intention. The survey was conducted on subscribers of travel YouTube channels with cruise video content, and the respondents actively responded by providing convenience store beverage coupons. In an online survey conducted for a month from January 15, 2023, 312 samples were collected from travelers who have experienced cruises in the past five years. SPSS and AMOS statistical programs were used, and first, frequency analysis and discriminant validity analysis were verified. In addition, the verification of structural relevance between variables was analyzed by the covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). Demographic characteristics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural model analysis verified the hypothesis. Based on the results of the analysis, this study presents basic evidence useful for establishing management strategies for cruise companies.

Receptivity to Instructional Computer-Based Feedback (RIF)

Abstract: Feedback can play a pivotal role in learning but is only effective when students use it. However, the use of feedback varies greatly from student to student and these differences must be explained. Hence, the construct receptivity to instructional feedback (RIF) was introduced to assess students’ attitudes towards and engagement with human-provided feedback in multiple English-speaking countries. However, RIF scales have not yet been used in computer-based assessment contexts nor in German-speaking countries; their application is thus limited. This study examined an adapted and translated RIF scale using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). We capitalized on data sets comprising German-speaking university ( N = 464) and secondary school ( N = 1,207) students. The bifactor-CFA model showed a good model fit and revealed a general receptivity factor alongside the four specific factors: experiential attitudes, instrumental attitudes, cognitive engagement, and behavioral engagement with feedback. Scalar measurement invariance allowed for cross-gender and educational level comparisons. The relationships with broader personality characteristics were consistent with other contexts, thus indicating discriminant validity. General receptivity, cognitive engagement, and experiential attitudes positively correlated with GPA, suggesting convergent validity. Results support the stability of the RIF scale’s adaptation and translation. Assessment implications are discussed.

Rural tourism in India and pro-tourism behavior

Purpose This paper aims to understand tourist behavior in Indian rural tourism by integrating the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) framework, service quality model (SERVQUAL) model and theory of planned behavior. It investigates the role of positive tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust and attitude in shaping pro-tourism intentions. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of Indian traditionality on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from 15 respondents with quantitative analysis involving 580 tourists engaged in Indian rural tourism. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used to examine relationships among tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions. Findings The study reveals that positive interactions and a positive destination image play crucial roles in building trust and shaping favorable attitudes toward rural tourism. Trust and attitude, in turn, significantly drive pro-tourism intentions. Furthermore, tourist attitude partially mediates the relationship between trust and intentions. The study introduces the novel concept of Indian traditionality as a moderator, highlighting its impact on trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the focus on Indian rural tourism, which may limit generalizability, and potential response bias due to self-reported data. Future research could explore other cultural contexts and use diverse data collection methods. Practical implications This research offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive tourist–host interactions and cultivating a positive destination image to enhance the overall tourist experience and promote sustainable rural tourism practices. Originality/value This study’s innovation lies in harmonizing theoretical frameworks to shed light on Indian rural tourism’s multifaceted aspects. It introduces Indian traditionality as a cultural moderator, enriching understanding of tourist behavior. The research contributes to academia and industry by guiding the development of sustainable tourism practices and improving the tourist experience.

Crafting a Job among Chinese Employees: The Role of Empowering Leadership and the Links to Work-Related Outcomes.

The present study aims to examine the process through which empowering leadership shapes employees' work engagement and in-role performance by facilitating job-crafting behaviors, specifically seeking resources, seeking challenges, and reducing demands. Based on the extensive data from 733 Chinese employees across various organizations located predominantly in Chongqing and Xi'an, China, we carried out different types of statistical analysis such as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among empowering leadership, specific job-crafting behaviors, work engagement and in-role performance, test our hypothesis and our conceptual model. The results from structural equation modeling (SEM) suggested that empowering leadership was positively related to employees' work engagement and in-role performance; empowering leadership was positively related to employees' job crafting (seeking resources, seeking challenges and reducing demands); seeking resources, seeking challenges and reducing demands were positively related to in-role performance, and seeking challenges and reducing demands were positively related to work engagement. In the relationship between empowering leadership and in-role performance, seeking resources serves as a mediating factor. Similarly, seeking challenges mediates the association between empowering leadership and both work engagement and in-role performance. Furthermore, reducing demands mediates the links between empowering leadership and both work engagement and in-role performance. The implications of these findings are subsequently discussed.

Are the Signs of Factor Loadings Arbitrary in Confirmatory Factor Analysis? Problems and Solutions

The replication crisis in social and behavioral sciences has raised concerns about the reliability and validity of empirical studies. While research in the literature has explored contributing factors to this crisis, the issues related to analytical tools have received less attention. This study focuses on a widely used analytical tool - confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) - and investigates one issue that is typically overlooked in practice: accurately estimating factor-loading signs. Incorrect loading signs can distort the relationship between observed variables and latent factors, leading to unreliable or invalid results in subsequent analyses. Our study aims to investigate and address the estimation problem of factor-loading signs in CFA models. Based on an empirical demonstration and Monte Carlo simulation studies, we found current methods have drawbacks in estimating loading signs. To address this problem, three solutions are proposed and proven to work effectively. The applications of these solutions are discussed and elaborated.

Agree to agree: correcting acquiescence bias in the case of fully unbalanced scales with application to UK measurements of political beliefs

AbstractA methodologically important area in political science is measuring the ideology of voters. This task can be difficult, and researchers often rely on ‘off the shelf’ datasets. Many of these datasets contain unbalanced Likert scales, which risk acquiescence bias. This paper proposes a strategy for dealing with this issue. I first demonstrate using two comparable datasets from the UK how unbalanced scales produce distorted distributions and can affect regression results. Then, building on past research that utilises factor analysis to eliminate the influence of acquiescence bias, I demonstrate how researchers can utilise a person intercept confirmatory factor analysis model to obtain factor scores corrected for acquiescence in the case of fully unbalanced scales. I conclude with practical recommendations for researchers and survey designers moving forward.

Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy

This study investigates the structure of factors that influence consumer intentions to both try and to consume cultured proteins, and their intentions to substitute vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets with these alternative protein sources. Comprehensive survey data (N = 3862) was collected from three Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, and Norway) and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Theoretically, this article draws from behavioural models of environmental psychology, identity theory, and attitude theory. Results indicate that beliefs about the necessity of an industry producing cultured proteins and impacts of cultured proteins on the global economy are significant predictors of consumer intentions. Moreover, participants who exhibited high levels of general and food innovativeness were more likely to express positive intentions to consume cultured proteins. Social norms influenced consumer intentions: Individuals surrounded by positive attitudes and intentions toward cultured proteins within their social networks were more inclined to want to consume these products. The predictor variables in the final model accounted for between 39% and 66% of the variance in the different cultured proteins related intentions. Understanding consumer intentions better can inform targeted communication strategies aimed at promoting the advantages of cultured proteins and facilitating its adoption.

The ethos brief index—validation of a brief questionnaire to evaluate wellness based on a holistic perspective in patients with restless legs syndrome

PurposeThe aim of this study was to validate the Ethos Brief Index (EBI) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).MethodsA cross-sectional design, including 788 subjects with RLS (65% women, 70.8 years, SD 11.3) from the Swedish RLS Association, was used. A postal survey was sent out to collect data regarding socio demographics, comorbidities, and RLS-related treatment data. Questionnaires included were EBI, the Restless Legs Syndrome-6 Scale (RLS-6), Restless Legs Syndrome—Quality of Life questionnaire (RLSQoL), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The validity and reliability of the EBI were investigated using Rasch and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models. Measurement invariance, unidimensionality, and differential item functioning (DIF) across age and gender groups, as well as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, RLS-related QoL and RLS severity were assessed.ResultsThe results supported the unidimensionality of the EBI in the CFA (i.e., explaining 61.5% of the variance) and the Rasch model. The reliability of the EBI was confirmed using composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha. No DIF was identified for gender, age, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, RLS severity or RLS-related QoL.ConclusionThe EBI showed good validity and reliability and operated equivalently for male and female patients with RLS. Accordingly, healthcare professionals can use the EBI as a psychometrically sound tool to explore and identify patient-centered problems related to the whole life situation.

An evaluation of outpatient satisfaction based on the national standard questionnaire: a satisfaction survey conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, China.

Patient satisfaction survey serves as a pivotal tool in evaluating the quality of healthcare services. China's nationwide standard patient satisfaction measurement tool was introduced in 2019. This study aimed to assess the model fit of the national standard outpatient satisfaction questionnaire in a tertiary hospital and evaluate the outpatient satisfaction levels using this tool. A cross-sectional survey using the national outpatient satisfaction questionnaire was conducted via message links to all hospital outpatients who registered between April and July 2022. The data collected underwent descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 6,012 valid responses were received and analyzed during this period, with 52.9% of the participants being women. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model showed a good fit and identified doctor communication as having a positive effect and environmental factors as having a negative effect on outpatients' satisfaction, with standardized regression weights of 0.46 and 0.42, respectively. Despite the remarkably high satisfaction levels, patients' recommendation for using the services of this hospital surpassed the overall evaluation and total satisfaction scores. A disparity was identified between the expectations and real experiences of outpatients, leading to some extent of dissatisfaction. To enhance satisfaction levels, the hospital should improve the communication skills of all clinical staff, simplify the environment layout for first-time visitors, and manage patient overloads.

Negative Brand Experiences and Purchase Intention of Green Wall Coating Brands: The Mediating Effect of Brand Identity

The purpose of this study was 1) to explore the impact of consumers' negative experiences with green wall coating brands on the brand identity of wall paint, 2) to analyze the effects of brand identity with green wall coating brands on purchase intentions, and 3) to test the mediating effect of green brand identity. Utilizing a quantitative research approach and simple random sampling technique, this study engaged 402 Chinese respondents aged 18 and older, all of whom had relevant purchase experiences with green wall coating products. The data collected were subjected to Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess model fit, as well as to establish the validity and reliability of the variables used in the study. The findings of this research revealed that all four dimensions of negative brand experience, which include negative functional experience (β =-0.189), negative emotional experience (β=-0.308), negative cognitive experience (β=-0.444), and negative social value experience (β=-0.134), have a negative impact on green brand identity. Additionally, the study confirmed a positive relationship between green brand identity and the intention to purchase green wall coating brands (β=0.655). Finally, the study established that green brand identity acts as a partial mediator between negative brand experiences (negative functional experience, negative emotional experience, negative cognitive experience, and social value negative experience) and the purchase intention of green wall coating brands (β3a=-0.124; β3b=-0.054; β3c=-0.126; β3d=-0.050). In light of these findings, this research provides specific and practical recommendations and improvement strategies for businesses within the green wall coating industry. These insights are aimed at enhancing their services and bolstering their competitive advantage.

What Causes Finnish Family Farmers Feel Successful? The Role of Resources and Entrepreneurial Characteristics

This study investigates the influences of resources and entrepreneurial characteristics on perceived success in familyfarms using the Resource-Based Theory and Entrepreneurial Orientation perspectives. Resources and entrepreneurial orientation are used to identify success perceptions. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to the survey data of 805 Finnish family farmers. Family farmers rate their skills as good, and their abilities of proactiveness and self-realization success as high. The results suggest that both resources and entrepreneurial orientation affect the perceived success of family farmers, although the role of entrepreneurial orientation is relatively small. Co-variability between resources and entrepreneurial orientation is positive, addressingthe change towards the same direction. This study promotes the understanding of the family perspective and its role in the successful use of resources and entrepreneurial capabilities in farming and offers a developed construct for family farm business research.

The psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale on a Zimbabwean population

Orientation: Work engagement has been found to be related to positive job attitudes such as job involvement, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and low turnover intention.Research purpose: The primary goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) on a Zimbabwean sample.Motivation for the study: The UWES is a widely used measure of work engagement. Therefore, there is a need to assess the reliability and construct validity of the UWES in a Zimbabwean sample owing to the paucity of studies on its psychometric properties in this setting.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey research design was employed (N = 304). A non-probability sample of 304 participants from selected security organisations was studied. The UWES was used to measure work engagement, and its reliability was evaluated using SPSS. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using LISREL.Main findings: Moderately high levels of reliability were found for the UWES subscales. A poor model fit with the data was found for first-order measurement models through CFA.Practical/managerial implications: The UWES demonstrated a reasonable fit for the 9-item scale CFA model tested in this study. Moderately high reliability coefficients were recorded for all the subscales of the UWES.Contribution/value-add: The study promotes the use of reliable and valid instruments in Zimbabwe by confirming the psychometric properties of the UWES.

Impact of Customer Relationship Management Dimensions on Customer Retention through Customer Satisfaction: A Customer Perspective of Balkan Transition Economies

One of the main challenges of service providers is the retaining of the acquired customers. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has proved to be an effective tool in reaching this objective. Many researchers tested the effect of CRM on customer retention (CR), but most of the studies were focused on developed economies and were analyzed from a business perspective. The literature review highlights the lack of studies that examine the impact of CRM on CR from a customer perspective and that are focused on transition economies, especially in Balkan developing countries. Considering this, our paper aims to develop a model that proves the impact of CRM on CR, focused on three Balkan countries (Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia). Data was collected using an electronic questionnaire from a sample that consists of 764 residents of the three above-mentioned Balkan countries, all customers of the services sector. The research model shows the impact of three CRM dimensions (key customer focus - KCF, technology-based CRM - TCRM, and CRM knowledge management – KM) on customer retention through customer satisfaction (CS). The model fit and research hypotheses were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Model. Findings show a positive impact of KCF, TCRM, and KM on CS, which as a result positively affects CR as well. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.