Reliability Estimates Research Articles

Psychometric properties of information and communication technology competencies scale: Latent profile analysis

Rapid expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) underscores importance of ICT competency for success in modern society. In education, ICT facilitates knowledge acquisition, innovative teaching methods, and development of digital literacy skills. By measuring ICT competencies, teacher training programs can better equip educators for technology integration, leading to more effective teaching and learning processes. It is crucial for educational policies to emphasize integration of ICT and ensure teachers are prepared to utilize it effectively. The study aims to determine psychometric properties of “information and communication technology competency scale (ICTCS)” for pre-service teachers (PSTs) in the Russian setting and identify distinct proficiency levels among them. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to adapt a scale measuring PSTs’ ICT competencies. The research involved two different samples for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n=160) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n=326). To establish language validity, a translation, and cross-cultural adaptation process was followed. Data analysis included EFA, CFA, reliability estimation, and latent profile analysis, with satisfactory results obtained for scale’s psychometric properties. The study concludes that ICTCS, with two factors (ICTC-PU and ICTC-ID), is a valid and reliable measure of teachers’ attitudes and skills regarding ICT use. Four-class latent profile model reveals distinct competence levels, informing targeted professional development programs. Educational institutions and policymakers should prioritize these programs and use the scale for teacher evaluations. Future research should explore the efficacy of these programs, expand the sample size, incorporate objective measures, and employ longitudinal designs to better understand the impact on student outcomes.

An integrated approach to estimate storage reliability with masked data from series system

Storage reliability is of importance for the products that largely stay in storage in their total life-cycle such as warning systems for harmful radiation detection, etc. Usually, the field-testing data can be available, but the failure causes for a series system cannot be always known because of the masked information. In this paper, the storage reliability model with possibly initial failures is studied on the statistical analysis method when the masked data are considered. To optimize the use of the masked survival data from storage systems, a technique based on the least squares (LS) method with an EM-like algorithm, is proposed for the series system. The parametric estimation procedure based on the LS method is developed by applying the algorithm to update the testing data, and then the LS estimation for the initial reliability and failure rate of the components constituting the series system are investigated. The results should be useful for accurately evaluating the production reliability, identifying the production quality, and planning a storage environment.

Construct validity of the instrument of digital skill literacy

This research is descriptive research that is conducted by quantitative approach to find out the validity and reliability of an instrument. The population in this research is all active college students at the State University of Semarang in nine faculties, taking sample is conducted by probability-sampling that means all population has the same chance to be a research subject. The number of samples in this research is 300 of people. The technique of data analysis on the validity verification in this research used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) technique. Meanwhile, for the estimation of reliability, the researcher used the formula of Cronbach’s Alpha. The data analysis is supported by JAMOVI program. The result of research shows that a) the instrument of digital skill literacy has fulfilled the criteria of goodness of fit with the result; 1) x2 = 162 dan df = 143; 2) p-value = 0,133; 3) RMSEA 0,021; 4) SRMR = 0,026; 5) and CFI = 0,99; b) the result of CFA shows 20 items that is divided by the indicator such as functional skill beyond, creativity, collaboration, communication, the ability to find select information, critical thinking and evaluation, cultural and social understanding, E-Safety have fulfilled valid criteria with the average score of loading factor is 0.80. c) the reliability of literacy digital skill instrument shows the estimation value which is 0.943 or very reliable.

A psychometrics evaluation of the Thai version of Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory Version 2 in stroke caregivers

ObjectivesTo evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Thai version of Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care (CC-SC) of Chronic Illness Inventory version 2 (CC-SC-CII-v2) in stroke caregivers. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study following the COSMIN guidelines, evaluating validity and reliability of three separate scales, CC-SC Maintenance, CC-SC Monitoring, and CC-SC Management, as well as overall CC-SC-CII-v2. From September to December 2022, we enrolled 422 stroke caregivers from primary care centers in southern Thailand. Structural validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation r coefficients between CC-SC-CII-v2 and the Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Patient Self-Care Scale (CSE-CSC). Internal coherence reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient, the composite reliability index, and the McDonald’s ω coefficient. Additionally, test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). ResultsThe study included mostly middle-aged women who cared for their parent. CFA supported the two-factor structure of the CC-SC Maintenance and Management scales and the one-factor structure of the CC-SC Monitoring scale. A simultaneous CFA on the combined set of items supported the more general model. The concurrent validity of CC-SC-CII-v2 with CSE-CSC was established (r ranging 0.47–0.65, all P < 0.001). Reliability estimates supported adequate Cronbach’s α coefficient (ranging 0.83–0.89), composite reliability (ranging 0.84–0.85), McDonald’s ω coefficients (ranging 0.83–0.85), and ICCs (ranging 0.86–0.90) across the three scales. ConclusionsThe Thai CC-SC-CII-v2 demonstrated strong psychometric properties among stroke caregivers. It can be a valuable instrument to investigate the role of caregivers in contributing to stroke patients’ self-care in diverse cultural contexts like Thailand.

Technical Skills Required by Heads for Management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined technical skills required by Heads for management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature was reviewed based on the variables of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprises 139 business educators including Heads of Department or Heads of Units in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, who were all involved in the study due to the manageable size of the population. A 16 item questionnaire titled “Technical Skills Required for Management of Business Education Programme Questionnaire” (TSRMBEQ) was used for data collection. The TSRMBEQ was validated by three (3) experts and .73 Cronbach Alpha Reliability Estimate was the overall reliability index for the instrument. 139 copies of the questionnaire were administered and 137 copies were successfully retrieved. The data collected were analysed using mean (X) and Standard Deviation (SD) to answer the research questions. Similarly, the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using independent t-test. The findings from data analysis showed that technical and financial management skills are required by Heads for management of Business Education Programme in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. While the test of hypotheses revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean rating of urban and rural based tertiary institutions’ Heads of Department/Unit on the technical skills required for management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions. The study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of Business Education Heads of Department/Unit in Colleges of Education and Universities on the financial management skills required for management of Business Education

Sequential Bayesian updating for time-variant reliability analysis of ageing structures

This paper proposes a new method for time-variant reliability analysis of existing ageing structures under epistemic uncertainty from limited recurrent field measurement data. A growth model and a noise factor are introduced to account for the ageing changes of distribution parameters that take place while the reliability interval is sequentially updated using inspection data acquired over the service period. The method is applied to quantify the reliability of deteriorating concrete bridges under routine inspections of reinforcement steel corrosion. The interval estimation of corrosion and reliability shows narrower uncertainty bounds than a traditional frequentist approach, particularly when relatively sparse inspection datasets are available. In the case study presented, the relative variation of reliability bounds could be reduced by at least half when compared to a frequentist estimation.

RELATIVE IMPEDIMENTS OF CORRUPTION AS CORRELATE OF EDUCATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY IN CROSS RIVER UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, CALABAR: PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

The study impediments of corruption as a correlate of educational sustainability in Cross River University of Technology, Calabar: Psychological implications, and possible solutions. Two research questions were posed to guide the study. Two research hypotheses were formulated based on the research questions posed. The total population for the study was four hundred and twenty-five (425) lecturers. The sample of the study was two hundred and six lecturers comprising both males and females. The instrument for data collection was both quantitative and qualitative. To establish the internal consistency of the research instrument, Cronbach’s reliability estimate was analyzed alongside the split-half coefficient estimate. From the data analyzed, the following findings emerged. There is a significant predictive relationship between embezzlement of funds and educational sustainability and there is a significant predictive relationship between abuse of office and educational sustainability. Based on the findings, it was recommended that proper accountability should be ensured on any amount of money given to the management for the development. The lecturers specifically the male should be properly checked for sexual harassment with the female students and effective law enforcement should be put in place to ensure that corruption is stamped out in our educational system.

Human Resources Skills Required by Heads for Management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined technical skills required by Heads for management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature was reviewed based on the variables of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprises 139 business educators including Heads of Department or Heads of Units in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, who were all involved in the study due to the manageable size of the population. A 16 item questionnaire titled “Human Resources Skills Required for Management of Business Education Programme Questionnaire” (HRSRMBEQ) was used for data collection. The HRSRMBEQ was validated by three (3) experts and .77 Cronbach Alpha Reliability Estimate was the overall reliability index for the instrument. 139 copies of the questionnaire were administered and 137 copies were successfully retrieved. The data collected were analysed using mean (X) and Standard Deviation (SD) to answer the research questions. Similarly, the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using independent t-test. The findings from data analysis showed that communication and instructional supervision skills are required by Heads for management of Business Education Programme in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. While the test of hypotheses revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean rating of urban and rural based tertiary institutions’ Heads of Department/Unit on the communication skills required for management of Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions. The study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female Heads of Department/Unit on the instructional supervision skills required for management of Business Education Programme in

Evaluating a Brief Big Five Personality Test in a Diverse Chinese Sample: The Role of Midpoint Designs and Reversely-Worded Items

Response styles present a threat to the validity of data from Likert scales. This study evaluates a brief personality test administered by interviewers to a diverse Chinese sample, focusing on two factors with direct impacts on response styles, the midpoint designs and the inclusion of reversely-worded items. We randomly assign respondents into three midpoint designs: masked midpoint, explicit midpoint and removed midpoint. Cronbach’s alpha tends to be low and is not drastically affected by midpoint designs. Score reliability estimates from the removed and explicit midpoint designs are above or close to .60 along the whole score range for openness, but not the other subscales. The masked midpoint design presents some advantages in criterion relationship validity evidence based on correlations with demographic, behavioral, subjective and cognitive variables. Dropping reversely-worded items increases the estimates of Cronbach’s alpha, but shows no positive effects on the criterion relationship validity. In conclusion, for interviewer-administered brief personality scales applied to Chinese respondents, masked midpoint design that aims to reduce a possible overuse of midpoint presents some advantages in the overall psychometric properties, but the inclusion of reversely-worded items shows mixed effects.

Influence of Multiple-Choice Item Ordering on Academic Achievement in English Language and Mathematics in Unity Schools in North-East, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of test item ordering on academic achievement in English language and Mathematics in unity schools in North-East, Nigeria. The study was experimental. The population comprised all the 5403 JSS 3 students in unity schools in North-East, Nigeria. A sample of 600 JSS 3 students was used. Two instruments, each prepared in three different formats were used for the study viz: (1) Mathematics Achievement Test and (2) English Language Achievement each of the test was prepared in three formats following the ways the items were arranged (1) Easy to difficult (ETD), (2) Difficult to easy (DTE), and (3) Mixed difficulty indices (MDI). The instruments were validated by four experts; two in measurement and evaluation, one in mathematics, and one in English language. Test-retest reliability was used to establish reliability indices of the two instruments. The reliability estimates that were obtained for the Mathematics achievement test are as follows: format 0.512, for format ETD, 0.849 for DTE and 0.718 for MDI. The reliability estimates that were obtained for the English Language achievement test are as follows: 0.728 for format ETD, 0.669 for format DTE and 0.877 for format MDI. ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses. The major finding of the study were: (1) the results showed that JSS 3 students that were exposed to Difficult to easy (DTE) format in Mathematics had the highest mean achievement scores. (2) There was a significant difference between the mean achievement scores in English language of JSS 3 students exposed to different orderings of the items in favour of DTE test item format. Based on the findings, it was recommended that English Language tests items should be ordered from the difficult ones to the easy ones since the highest academic achievement of students was recorded using this method and that Mathematics tests items should be ordered from the easy ones to the difficult ones since the highest academic achievement of students was recorded using this method.

Lower Quadrant Edema Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Is Reliable, Valid, and Efficient for Patients with Lymphatic and Venous Disorders.

The main aims of this study were: (1) to create a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) item bank for measuring the impact of lower quadrant edema (LQE) on physical function using item response theory and (2) to assess reliability, validity, and administration efficiency of LQE PROM scores based on computerized adaptive test (CAT) and the reliability of a 10-item short form (SF). This retrospective study included data from patients treated in outpatient rehabilitation clinics for lower quadrant edema who responded to all 30 candidate items at intake. Item response theory model assumptions of unidimensionality, local item independence, item fit, and presence of differential item functioning were evaluated. LQE-CAT-generated scores were assessed for reliability, validity, and administration efficiency. LQE-SF-generated scores were assessed for reliability. The total cohort included 4894 patients (mean [SD] age = 65 [14] y; range = 14-89 y). A set of 20 items was selected for the item bank based on support for its unidimensionality and fit to the item response theory model, with reliability estimates greater than 0.92 for CAT and SF administration modes. No items demonstrated differential item functioning with respect to tested variables. After controlling for scores at intake, scores discriminated among multiple patient groups in clinically logical ways with better outcomes observed for patients who were younger with less chronic symptoms and fewer comorbidities. Scores were responsive to change but the effect size was small (0.4). There were negligible floor and ceiling effects. CAT administration of the item bank required an average of 6.1 items (median = 5). Scores correlated highly with full-bank scores (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.98). Scores on the LQE PROM were reliable, valid, and efficient for assessing perceived physical function of patients with lower quadrant edema. The LQE CAT and SF are suitable for research and routine clinical care. Reasons for the small effect size for change scores should be studied. The newly developed LQE PROM was reliable and valid and offers efficient administration modes for assessing perceived physical function of patients with LQE, both for research and routine clinical care in busy outpatient rehabilitation settings. As an item response theory-based measure, the LQE PROM allows administration of condition-specific functional questions with low response burden for patients. The 10-item LQE-SF offers a feasible alternative administration mode when CAT administration is not available. This study supports a transition to PROMs that are based on modern measurement approaches to achieve the combined benefits of high accuracy and efficiency.

Measurement of social norms for entertainment-education

ABSTRACT Background While there has been a marked increase in measurement and scholarship surrounding social norms in recent years, there is little evidence related to social norms measurement in the context of health campaigns utilizing entertainment-education. Entertainment-education goals and objectives have shifted over time to include social norms and an update is needed to merge contemporary practice with the most recent measures from the literature. The aim of the present study was to analyze commonly used quantitative measures and their properties for social norms and entertainment-education, specifically on the topic of family planning, to bolster ongoing research and practice efforts by validating items for social norms measurement in entertainment-education programs. Methods The study used data from a survey conducted with 438 married women aged 19–34 in the Central Province of Zambia in 2019 who were exposed to the entertainment-education initiative Kwishilya (Over the Horizon), a Bemba-language, 156-episode radio program designed to shift social norms on family planning. Multiple items were included to measure descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and outcome expectations. Exploratory factor analysis and estimates of scale reliability were conducted to understand the properties and structure of the social norms items. Results Results showed a five-factor solution best fit the data, which accounted for 45.7% of the variance, exhibited fair reliability, and loaded largely as expected. Conclusions This study provides a useful tool for practitioners and scholars to use globally to measure important social norms constructs in entertainment-education.

Weinberger Adjustment Inventory Portuguese Version: A Study of Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Measurement Invariance

We examine the psychometric properties of the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory (WAI) from a modern psychometric perspective, including second-order models, better estimation of reliability, and measurement invariance, among a sample of young adults (N = 610, M = 21.33 years, SD = 3.09 years) from Portugal. Results indicated that only the four-factor intercorrelated confirmatory models of the WAI Distress and Restraint scales, and the two-factor intercorrelated confirmatory models of the WAI Defensiveness scales showed adequate fits. The WAI showed good reliability and distinctive correlates with other psychometric measures and criterion variables. Cross-gender measurement invariance was established. Our findings support the WAI as a valid and reliable measure.

Development of self-education motivation for students using time management techniques in primary and high school teachers

Objective: The objective of the study is to measure the time management techniques on development of self-education and motivation for students and high school teachers Theoretical framework: The existing time management motivation models and theoretical frameworks were used assess the impact of time management on motivation of school teachers and students Method: The study employed empirical research gathering the data using a structured questionnaire from the respondents. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver 28 to gather practical insights of the study. The statistical techniques like estimation of reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, regression analysis and assessing data normalcy were employed. The primary quantitative method has been adopted in this study, and the data were gathered from sixty-five respondents the teachers of a CBSE schools in and around Hyderabad and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 28. The tests of multiple regression, descriptive statistics and demographic analysis have been carried out on the responses from the 65 participants. Results and conclusion: The results indicated that data were normal and all the four study variables motivation, performance, self-regulated learning and self-efficacy are impacting the time management. Students are more likely to get encouraged to learn mainly when they are curious about their learning topic. Learners or educators can help to grow interested by offering them interesting opportunities to explore more new things. It has been noted that providing students with daily basis or regular feedback can help them to track their progress and performance and thus, they can identify the areas in which they need to improve their performance. Implications: The authors presents the results of how time management can motivate the students in self-education and how time management techniques are increasing self-education motivation for students. Effective time management techniques can be essential for a student as they will help them to handle more subjects, tests, projects, as well as extra curriculum activities. It has been observed that learners who feel guided and always supported are more prone to stay focused in any kind of situation, and can easily overcome any risks. Originality/value: The empirical research compliments to the existing knowledge specially focusing on time management and its effect on motivation of students and teachers in schools. The study offers practical aspects of time management and provides valuable perspectives in near future to address the time management related issues in the schools.

Initial psychometric properties of the Parental Stress Scale examined using a sample of Russian mothers.

Parental stress is defined as a personal response to stressors associated with being a parent. In recent studies, parental stress has been viewed as a component of normative parenting. The purpose of this study was to collect initial evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the Russian version of the 18-item Parental Stress Scale (PSS) using a sample of mothers of Russian primary school students. The results are the first wave of a longitudinal study. Mothers (n = 900) of fourth-grade students participated in the study and filled out an online survey. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the PSS on the Russian mothers indicated two factors: parental stress and parental satisfaction, with good estimates of reliability. The PERMA-Profiler questionnaire was used to examine the convergent and divergent validity of the PSS. The results revealed significant correlations between parental stress and satisfaction and different aspects of well-being among the respondents. The initial investigation of this Russian adaptation of the PSS provides evidence of its reliability and validity. Despite the limitations and the need for further research, this version of the PSS can be recommended for use in studies on modern parenting as well as in psychological support, education, and development of programs promoting positive parent-child relationships by targeting parental needs.

Reliability of lower leg muscle elasticity using shear wave elastography in non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing

PurposeMuscle elasticity can be quantified with shear wave elastography (SWE) and has been used as an estimate of muscle force but reliability has not been established for lower leg muscles. The purpose of this study was to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of elasticity measures in non-weight-bearing (NWB) and weight-bearing (WB) for the tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), peroneal longus (PL), and peroneal brevis (PB) muscles using SWE. MethodsA total of 109 recreationally active healthy adults participated. The study employed a single-cohort, same-day repeated-measures test–retest design. Elasticity, measured in kilopascals as the Young’s modulus, was converted to the shear modulus. All four muscles were measured in NWB and at 90% WB. ResultsIntra-rater reliability estimates were good to excellent for NWB (ICC = 0.930–0.988) and WB (ICC = 0.877–0.978) measures. Inter-rater reliability estimates were moderate to good (ICC = 0.500–0.795) for NWB measures and poor to good (ICC = 0.346–0.910) for WB measures. ConclusionDespite the studies poor to good inter-rater variability, the intra-rater reproducibility represents the potential benefit of SWE in NWB and WB. Establishing the reliability of SWE with clinical and biomechanical approaches may aid in improved understanding of the mechanical properties of muscle.

Reliable Gamma-Interconnection Network for Data Analysis in Sensor Networks: Design and Performance Evaluation

In today’s era of high speed 5G internet all electronic sensor networks are connected through IoT. Bank transactions are digitized, people can access any data through their mobile phones, organizations and companies handle their projects through online meetings etc. Military and medical surveillance, navy navigation, weapon controlling, weather forecasting etc. involve big data analysis collected from sensors, that too at a very high speed with reliable results. This requires large number of parallel processors connected with huge Bank of memory modules to store big data. Reliable interconnection network is needed to connect these large number of parallel processors and memory modules efficiently hence Multistage Interconnection Networks (MINs) come into play, as they provide highly reliable communication for big data transfer between processors and memory modules whenever required. In this manuscript a new network named Reliable Gamma-interconnection Network (RGN) is introduced which possesses multiple paths between processors and memory modules with two totally disjoint path availability. It provides high reliability and minimum path distance between source node to destination node than other gamma networks known, with the minimum hardware complexity. Reliability estimation and evaluation of RGN has been presented in this paper and comparison of results achieved with other gamma networks has been done for validation purpose.

Assessing fear of complications in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with the Fear of Diabetes Complications Questionnaire.

Fear of diabetes complications (FDC) is a common source of emotional distress in people with diabetes across types and treatments and may affect health outcomes. To assess FDC, the Fear of Diabetes Complications Questionnaire (FDCQ) was developed. This study evaluates the FDCQ's German version in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). A German version of the FDCQ was developed and administered as part of four different studies sampling people with T1D and T2D. Measurement properties were evaluated across studies using factor analyses, reliability estimates, and associations of the measure within a network of variables. A cutoff criterion for elevated FDC was derived. A short form scale was also developed. High reliability and validity were supported. FDC as measured by the FDCQ was independently associated with higher diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. A cut-off score for elevated FDC was set at ≥30 in the 15-item FDCQ. Elevated FDCQ scores were detected in 36% of participants in secondary diabetes care and up to 46% of those in tertiary care. FDC is prevalent in people with T1D and T2D and associated with diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. The FDCQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing FDC in research and practice. It may help identify persons in need of tailored education and care and monitor effects following treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Reliability estimate of the maximum likelihood method used for the solution of systems of equations with distorted right parts

Исследуется надежность метода максимального правдоподобия для решения систем булевых уравнений со случайным выбором неизвестных в каждом уравнении и с искажениями в правых частях. Определяются условия, при которых надежность метода близка к единице.

순환 신경망 기반 소프트웨어 신뢰성 추정 모델의 정확성 및 안정성 비교 분석 연구

순환 신경망 기반 소프트웨어 신뢰성 추정 모델의 정확성 및 안정성 비교 분석 연구