Internal Consistency Estimates Research Articles

Examining the Connectorship Scale: Factor Structure and Correlations With Self-Efficacy and Extraversion.

The Connectorship Scale was designed to assess how leaders connect with their followers and is described to measure eight dimensions: social interactivity, dependability, positive communication, presenting oneself, storytelling ability, belief in networking, tangible introduction, and belief in the importance of online networking. This study explores the scale properties and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of the Connectorship Scale and examines how the scale scores correlate with self-efficacy and extraversion based on responses from 454 (52% women) adult business students. The internal consistency estimates suggested that one of the subscales, positive communication, was unreliable; we therefore excluded that subscale from further analyses. A CFA of the seven-factor model suggested good fit once two pairs of error terms were allowed to correlate. Self-efficacy and all facets of extraversion positively correlated with six of the seven connectorship subscales, the exception being the tangible introduction scale. The results raise concern about the positive communication subscale from the Connectorship Scale but do support the use of the other seven subscales for research about engaged and effective leadership.

The feeding siblings questionnaire (FSQ): Development of a self-report tool for parents with children aged 2–5 years

Over the last decade, there have been repeated calls to expand the operationalisation of food parenting practices. The conceptualisation and measurement of these practices has been based primarily on research with parent-child dyads. One unexplored dimension of food parenting pertains to the evaluation of practices specific to feeding siblings. This study describes the development and validation of the Feeding Siblings Questionnaire (FSQ) – a tool designed to measure practices in which siblings are positioned as mediators in parents’ attempts to prompt or persuade a child to eat. Item development was guided by a conceptual model derived from mixed-methods research and refined through expert reviews and cognitive interviews. These interviews were conducted in two phases, where parents responded to the questionnaire primarily to test i) the readability and relevance of each item, and ii) its overall feasibility. The instrument was completed by 330 parents (96.1% mothers) in Australia with two children aged 2–5 years, and repeated by 133 parents (40.3%) two weeks later. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on baseline data. Internal consistency and test re-test reliability of the subsequent subscales were examined. Construct validity was assessed through comparisons with existing measures of food parenting practices and child eating behaviours. The final FSQ scale included 22 items, reflecting five food parenting practices: sibling competitiveness, active sibling influence, threatening unequal division of food, sibling role modelling, and vicarious operant conditioning. Internal consistency and test re-test reliability estimates were high, and there was some evidence of convergent construct validity. While its factor structure should be confirmed in a different sample, the FSQ offers a novel tool for assessing, monitoring, and evaluating feeding interactions beyond those confined to the parent-child dyad.

ASSESSING THE RELIABILITY OF THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: A PILOT STUDY

The reliability of the scales utilized in research are crucial elements that contribute to the generation of valuable outcomes. This study aimed to develop a practical and reliable measure of the Talent Development Environmental Questionnaire (TDEQ) by adapting three modules, totaling 59 items. Utilizing a sample size of 30 and employing the test-retest method, the study found Pearson correlation results for seven factors: Long-Term Development Focus (LTDF), Quality Preparation (QP), Communication Skills (CO), Understanding Athletes (UA), Supporting Network (SN), Challenges and Supporting Environment (CSE), and Long-Term Developmental Fundamental Understanding (LTDFU). Internal consistency estimates, including Cronbach's alpha scores, ranged from 0.627 to 0.900. The mean Cronbach's alpha was 0.75, with individual factor scores of 0.900, 0.712, 0.781, 0.678, 0.832, 0.631, and 0.627, respectively. These findings underscore the significance of factors such as LTDF, QP, CO, UA, SN, CSE, and LTDFU in track and field athletes' overall development, reaffirming the high reliability of all dimensions of the TDEQ.

Protective + Risk Observations For Eliminating Sexual Offense Recidivism (PROFESOR): rationale for development and an initial investigation of reliability

ABSTRACT The Protective + Risk Observations For Eliminating Sexual Offense Recidivism (PROFESOR) is designed to identify risk and protective factors for individuals aged 12–25 who have engaged in, or have been accused of engaging in, illegal or otherwise abusive sexual behaviour. Unlike most risk assessment tools which are designed to predict the future, the PROFESOR is designed to identify dynamic protective and risk factors that can inform interventions that will facilitate sexual and relationship health and, thus, eliminate sexual offense recidivism. The rationale for the development of the PROFESOR is outlined, and an investigation of the tool’s reliability is presented. For this study, 58 individuals (aged 12–20 years; M = 16.3; SD = 1.63) in residential treatment for male youth who have engaged in sexually harming behaviour were rated by a pair of clinicians from a group of 15 clinicians (therapists and their supervisors). Unlike typical investigations of interrater agreement where a small number of raters utilise identical file material, PROFESOR ratings were made based on the clinicians’ working knowledge of the individuals in their care. Excellent interrater agreement was demonstrated with the Total score, as were significant item-total correlations and internal consistency estimates, indicating encouraging evidence of the reliability of the PROFESOR. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This paper identifies the limitations of risk prediction tools for adolescent sexual recidivism and outlines the rationale for the development of the PROFESOR, an assessment tool designed to inform intervention goals and intensity by identifying both risk and protective factors. Data from therapists and supervisors at a residential treatment facility indicated encouraging evidence of the reliability (i.e. interrater agreement, item-total correlation, and internal consistency) of the PROFESOR.

The psychometric properties of the lifelong learning measurement scale (LLMS): the study of validation in higher education setting

In the dynamic world of higher education, lifelong learning is important to both individuals and institutions, and measuring it can provide insightful data for both. The purpose of this study is therefore to refine and validate the psychometric qualities of the Lifelong Learning Measurement Scale (LLMS), created to measure academic staff’s engagement with lifelong learning in higher education institutions. Using a cross-sectional study design, the current study validated the scale using rigorous psychometric procedures. The study involved 396 participants, who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using factorial analysis methods. The results provide a theoretically based four-factor structure consisting of 16 items of the LLMS. Strong evidence for the validity of the scale comes from its content validity, construct-related validity, and criterion-related validity. In addition, the scale and its factors demonstrate excellent levels of trustworthiness, according to estimates of composite reliability and internal consistency. The impartial and fair use of the scale is further supported by strong evidence for measurement invariance across gender groups. In conclusion, these results confirm that the LLMS is a legitimate and trustworthy tool that can be used in a variety of research and practices related to lifelong learning in a higher education setting. Furthermore, it is important to note that further research is needed to examine its applicability in different contexts. Subsequent research on its longitudinal stability and sensitivity to different cultural characteristics could also confirm LLMS as a reliable and integrative assessment tool for lifelong learning.

Development and validation of an overuse injury questionnaire for youth athletes: The Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire

ObjectiveTo develop and validate the Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire (YOvIQ). DesignA cross-sectional study. SettingOnline platforms. ParticipantsTwo content experts (in sports injury epidemiology and in sports science and medicine) and seven end-users (youth volleyball athletes) provided feedback during development of the YOvIQ. 227 competitive youth athletes across 14 different sports assessed the psychometric properties of the YOvIQ. Main outcome measuresParticipants completed both YOvIQ and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) for anatomical areas of the shoulder, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle/foot. Validity was assessed via convergent validity. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency estimation and interclass correlation coefficient. ResultsFollowing feedback from content experts, examples and quantitative symbolization were added to the options in YOvIQ, with positive feedback from end-users. Convergent validity between YOvIQ and the OSTRC-O2 was demonstrated with non-significant differences (P ≥ .05) and significant correlations (P < 0.001) for prevalence and severity scores. YOvIQ demonstrated internal consistency for prevalence (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.70) and moderate-to-good reliability for severity scores (ICC: 0.51 to 0.88) for shoulder, lower back, and knee. ConclusionsThe YOvIQ is a valid and reliable instrument to identify overuse injuries to the shoulder, lower back, and knee in youth athletes.

Development of the Engagement with Beauty Scale‐Revised, Japanese Version (EBS‐R‐J), and Confirmation of its Validity and Reliability

AbstractAppreciation of beauty is an ability to find, recognize, and emotionally respond to beauty. It is often considered to be associated with several psychological fields, such as forms of the good life, love, transcendence, and exploration. The Engagement with Beauty Scale‐Revised (EBS‐R) is one of the most comprehensive scales for measuring the beauty appreciation trait. In this study, we have developed the Japanese version of this scale (EBS‐R‐J) and confirmed its reliability and validity through two surveys conducted in Japan. Specifically, this study has not only validated the original four‐factor structure of the EBS‐R‐J, but also revealed an alternative five‐factor model. Both models had satisfactory internal consistency estimates for the total score and subscales, had verified concurrent validity through examining correlations with the Aesthetic Emotions Scale (AESTHEMOS), had verified known‐groups validity by comparing the scores of the EBS‐R‐J between groups of art‐experienced and art‐inexperienced individuals, and confirmed the temporal reliability of the EBS‐R‐J by means of correlation coefficients for a 4‐week interval for the total score and each subscale score. In conclusion, the EBS‐R‐J developed in this study has relatively satisfactory reliability and validity, indicating that it represents a valid measure of the trait of beauty appreciation in the Japanese language.

A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Scores on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) Scale Across Sample Characteristics

The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) has an extensive history of use that often relies on inductions of reliability from precedent literature. We completed a systematic of the literature and extracted sample-specific reliability estimates for ProQOL subscale scores. Random effects meta-analytic modeling was implemented to identify mean estimates of reliability. Secondary analyses were completed to depict generalization across samples and possible scores in future studies. Our analyses detected mean internal consistency estimates for the Compassion Satisfaction (.875), Secondary Traumatic Stress (.808), and Burnout (.754) similar to those reported in the ProQOL manual. However, secondary analyses revealed statistical variations associated with the professional identity and proportions of ethnicity represented within samples. ProQOL score reliability has remained fairly stable over time with scores for Compassion Satisfaction and Secondary Traumatic Stress supporting use in basic research, but not clinical decision making, the Burnout scale was associated with more questionable precision.

Evaluating the reliability of the athlete sleep behavior questionnaire (ASBQ): a meta-analysis of Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient

BackgroundThe Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) was designed to identify maladaptive sleep practices among athletes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the internal consistency and the test-retest reliability coefficients of the ASBQ.MethodsA systematic search across 10 databases from inception of the ASBQ to August 2023 was performed. Publications that reported estimates of internal consistency and/or test-retest reliability of the ASBQ were included. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the overall reliability measures of the ASBQ.ResultsMeta-analytic results demonstrated a good level of internal consistency within the ASBQ, evidenced by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.63 to 0.80). This suggests a modest correlation among the questionnaire items, supporting its reliability as an effective measure of sleep behavior. In terms of test-retest reliability, our meta-analysis revealed a very good degree of consistency (ICC = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.89), suggesting that the ASBQ can serve as an instrument for monitoring and evaluating changes in athletes’ sleep behavior over time. No evidence of publication bias was identified.ConclusionWhile the ASBQ demonstrates a moderate level of internal consistency, its test-retest reliability suggests that it can serve as an instrument for longitudinal assessments of athletes’ sleep behavior. Future studies focusing on refining the ASBQ to optimize its internal consistency and validate its applicability across diverse athletic populations are warranted.

Instruments of Child-to-Parent Violence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and reliability generalization meta-analysis synthesized psychometric literature on instrumentation assessing child-to-parent violence published through September 2023 across four databases. In the screening, we identified studies reporting Cronbach's alpha internal consistency estimates for the child-to-parent violence scales. The eligible reliability coefficients ranged from 0.610 to 0.930, mostly exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.700. Random-effects models calculated pooled Cronbach's alphas separately for global, father-specific, and mother-specific subscales. The results demonstrated cumulative values of 0.83 (global: standard error = 0.0129), 0.800 (fathers: standard error = 0.0203), and 0.81 (mothers: standard error = 0.0179), denoting largely adequate reliability. However, significant between-study heterogeneity was observed. While the mean alpha levels seem acceptable for most tools, substantial variability coupled with the possibility of some studies violating reliability assumptions indicates that a conservative interpretation is warranted. Ongoing scale refinement and additional psychometric evaluations will strengthen the rigor methodology in this developing research domain. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, as there is a high level of heterogeneity, and it is possible that some studies have not verified the assumptions underlying Cronbach's alpha.

FC29: Development of an Informant-Reported Lucidity Measure

Objective:The aim was to develop a lucidity measure for use with front-line caregivers to describe lucidity episodes among individuals with dementia, neurological and other illnesses and identify associated individual and episodic event characteristics.Methods:Qualitative: An external advisory board reviewed the clarity, breadth, and scope of the conceptual definition and item content. Modified focus groups were conducted with 20 staff and 10 family members who participated using a web-based survey. Data were extracted from Qualtrics for analysis using NVivo. Semi-structured cognitive interviews were conducted with10 health professionals working with older adults with cognitive impairment.Quantitative: A combined exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test for dimensionality. The explained common variance (ECV), calculated as the percent of observed variance was estimated. Estimates of internal consistency such as ordinal alpha and McDonald’s omega were computed in R and Mplus.Results:Data were collected from 50 staff informants on behalf of 302 residents, 25 with lucidity events. The majority (74%) of those interviewed were certified nursing assistants. Most (58%) of the sample of residents were White and 21% Black or African American. One fourth (25%) were Hispanic or Latino. Most (80% to 90%) of those with lucidity events were reported to have memory deficits and at least 70% required maximal assistance in performing basic tasks such as dressing. Most events (60%) were of short duration (10 minutes or less), and included showing facial expressions (83%) and making eye contact (88%). One half spoke multiple sentences. About half were reported to hold a conversation, and speak coherently to convey needs; 40% were able to remember and mention the name of relatives. Staff reactions were of surprise (60%) shock (52%) and happiness (50%).Data for item modification derived from the focus groups and cognitive interviews resulted in the final lucidity measure. Internal consistency estimates were high, with most ranging from 0.76 to 0.98. The ECVs were high for most scales, indicative of essential unidimensionality.Discussion:The dimensionality and reliability analyses results were strong, and supportive of unidimensional scales with high internal consistency. The feasibility of conducting assessments of lucidity events was established.

Do changes in personality predict life outcomes?

The Big Five personality traits predict many important life outcomes. These traits, although relatively stable, are also open to change across time. However, whether these changes likewise predict a wide range of life outcomes has yet to be rigorously tested. This has implications for the types of processes linking trait levels and changes with future outcomes: distal, cumulative processes versus more immediate, proximal processes, respectively. The present study used seven longitudinal data sets (N = 81,980) to comprehensively examine the unique relationship that changes in the Big Five traits have with static levels and changes in numerous outcomes in the domains of health, education, career, finance, relationships, and civic engagement. Meta-analytic estimates were calculated and study-level variables were examined as potential moderators of these pooled effects. Results indicated that changes in personality traits are sometimes prospectively related to static outcomes-such as health status, degree attainment, unemployment, and volunteering-above and beyond associations due to static trait levels. Moreover, changes in personality more frequently predicted changes in these outcomes, with associations for new outcomes emerging as well (e.g., marriage, divorce). Across all meta-analytic models, the magnitude of effects for changes in traits was never larger than that of static levels and there were fewer change associations. Study-level moderators (e.g., average age, number of Big Five waves, internal consistency estimates) were rarely associated with effects. Our study suggests personality change can play a valuable role in one's development and highlights that both cumulative and proximal processes matter for some trait-outcome associations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Mobile Toolbox cognitive tests: validity and reliability in three samples

AbstractBackgroundThe Mobile Toolbox (MTB), an app‐based assessment platform, enables completely remote, self‐administered assessment using participants’ own smartphones. We present psychometric evidence for eight MTB cognitive measures assessing language, working memory, episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed.MethodThree samples were used to evaluate convergent validity, age‐related change, internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Sample I consisted of 94 adults ages 18‐85 who were administered “gold standard” cognitive measures followed by self‐administered MTB. Sample II, recruited for norming, included 1,020 participants ages 18‐90 who completed MTB measures remotely. Sample III was a convenience sample of 800 participants who completed MTB remotely with retest after 7, 14, or 21 days. Pearson correlation coefficients between MTB and external measures were used to evaluate convergent validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using measure‐appropriate tests: split‐half reliability, Cronbach’s alpha or IRT‐based indices. For measures with timing‐dependent scores, separate analyses were performed for iOS and Android devices. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships between age and test scores.ResultConvergent validity data from Sample I (64% female, 52% white, 99% non‐Hispanic, age = 48+/‐18) revealed moderate to strong correlations between MTB test scores and performance on external measures of similar constructs (Table 1). Table 2 shows results derived from Sample II (44% female, 13% Hispanic, 74% white, age = 45+/‐22). Internal consistency estimates ranged from 0.69 to 0.98. On timed tests, Shape‐Color Sorting and Arrow Matching showed significant score differences between Android and iOS devices when controlling for age. However, internal consistency was equivalent between the two, as indicated by overlapping confidence thresholds (Table 3). Performance on executive function, processing speed, and some memory tasks negatively correlated with age. Word Meaning scores improved with age while Spelling remained stable. Test‐retest reliability, using preliminary Sample III data, ranged from 0.47 (memory tests) to 0.86.ConclusionInitial studies, using three diverse samples, support the validity and reliability of the first eight MTB cognitive measures. MTB tests showed satisfactory internal consistency and convergent validity and most measures correlated with age in the expected directions. Our results support the use of MTB in cognitive research.

2 Validity and Reliability of Mobile Toolbox Cognitive Assessments

Objective:To present validation evidence for the first eight cognitive measures available through Mobile Toolbox (MTB). These measures use a remote self-administered platform to assess language, working memory, episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed.Participants and Methods:We used two separate samples, recruited as part of a larger study, to validate MTB measures. Sample I, comprised of 92 English-speaking adults ages 18-85, was used to assess internal consistency and construct validity. Participants were first administered “gold standard” cognitive measures (Wechsler Memory Scale-IV Verbal Paired Associates I and II; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV Symbol Search, Digit Span, Coding, and Letter-Number Sequencing; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color-Word Interference Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-4 Spelling, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), after which they completed MTB (pre-loaded on a study-provided smartphone) on their own. Internal consistency was evaluated using measure-appropriate indices (split-half reliability, Cronbach’s alpha or IRT-based indices). Pearson correlation coefficients between MTB tests and measures of similar constructs were used to evaluate concurrent validity. For two tests with timing-dependent scores, Arrow Matching and Shape-Color Sorting, separate analyses were performed for iOS and Android devices. Sample II, with 1,120 English-speaking participants ages 18-90, was used to evaluate age-related change. Participants completed MTB measures remotely on their own smartphones, in a preset order, within a 14-day period. Spearman correlation coefficients, corrected for education, were calculated to evaluate relationships between age and test scores.Results:Sample I participants were 67% female, 52% white, 99% non-Hispanic; average age=48 (SD= 17). Education was: &lt; high school (1%); high school (55%); some college (21%); college (15%); graduate degree (8%). Internal consistency estimates ranged from 0.81 to 0.99. Pearson correlations between MTB and external measures ranged from 0.41 to 0.86 (all p &lt; .01). Of the timed tests, only Shape-Color sorting showed significant score differences between Android and iOS devices. Sample II was 57% female, 13% Hispanic, 72% white, mean age = 45 (SD = 21). Education distribution was: &lt; high school (2%); high school (34%); some college (34%), college (20%); graduate degree (11%). Measures of executive function (r = -0.50; r=-0.57) and processing speed (r= -0.61) showed the expected negative correlation with age (all p &lt;0.001). Negative correlations, although weaker, were also seen on measures of working memory (r=-0.2) and episodic memory (r=-0.2, r=-0.37; p.&lt;.001). Vocabulary performance improved with age (r=0.4; p&lt;.001), while spelling scores remained stable (r=0.09).Conclusions:Initial studies support the validity and reliability of the first eight MTB cognitive measures in two diverse samples. MTB tests showed satisfactory construct validity, as demonstrated by the associations between MTB and well-established tests. Furthermore, most MTB measures correlated with age in the expected directions. Executive function, processing speed and memory typically decrease with age and this decrease was reflected in MTB test performance. In contrast, spelling and vocabulary, typically preserved as we age, did not decrease in our sample. Our results support the use of MTB in cognitive aging research.

Contemporary Issues and Prospects towards Effective Implementation of Revenue Allocation in Nigeria

he study examined the contemporary issues and prospects towards effective implementation of revenue allocation in Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 288 budget Officers under the Federal Ministry of Finance. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire developed by the researchers: Implementation of Revenue Allocation Questionnaire (IRAQ). The instrument was face validated by three experts, two from the Department of Public Administration, National Opening University of Nigeria, Abuja Study Centre and one from the Department of Public Administration and Local Government Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The internal consistency estimates for the structured questionnaire items were established using Cronbach Alpha techniques of estimating reliability which yielded an overall reliability co-efficient of 0.84 indicated that the instrument was reliable for the study. Data were collected by three research assistants using direct delivery and retrieval technique. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed the contemporary issue of revenue allocation and identified challenges which embedded as outlining prospects for it. The findings of the study also revealed in a bid strategies to resolve the controversial issues surrounding the contentious revenue allocation in Nigeria, a high level of fiscal decentralization is require replacing the unfair revenue sharing formula currently on operations. Based on the findings, among the recommendations were that revenue formulae for revenue sharing should be guided by national interest, which should take precedence over individual or primordial attention and reactions. Keywords: Contemporary issues, prospects, revenue, revenue allocation, revenue formula

Evaluating romantic and sexual functioning among persons with psychosis: Reliability and validity of two measures.

Despite increasing recognition of the difficulties faced by persons with psychosis with respect to intimacy and sexuality, there is a lack of valid and reliable instruments to measure these areas of functioning in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties (i.e., construct and convergent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability) of two measures, the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Romantic Relationship Functioning Scale (RRFS), in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Participants (N = 196) were administered a series of questionnaires online, with a subset of 40 respondents agreeing to complete the MSQ and the RRFS a second time at a 2-week follow-up. Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to examine the construct validity of both measures, while internal consistency estimates and correlation coefficients were computed to assess each instrument's reliability and convergent validity. The original factor structures of the MSQ and the RRFS were found to be acceptable, with αs ranging from 0.68 to 0.94 and 0.74 to 0.86, respectively. Test-retest reliability and convergent validity with other measures (First-Episode Social Functioning Scale [FESFS]-Intimacy subscale, Self-Esteem Rating Scale-Short Form [SERS-SF], Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]-Anxiety and Depression subscales) were also demonstrated. Future research should replicate these findings in larger samples and other languages, as well as evaluate additional aspects of the instruments' quality. Clinicians may benefit from using these tools to better understand the intimacy needs of service users with psychosis and offer corresponding services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Brief Report: Does the Number of Response Options Matter for the BFI-2? Conceptual Replication and Extension.

We evaluated how the number of response options affects the psychometric properties of the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2). Using two large samples collected from a market research company (Ns = 893 and 1,213), we tested how different response options of the BFI-2 influenced scale score distributions, internal consistency estimates, convergent validity correlations, and criterion validity correlations. Results suggest that score distributions were impacted by the number of response options such that ceiling and floor effects were more common when using two or three response options than when using more options. Estimates of Cronbach's alpha were generally lower with fewer scale points as compared with more scale points, but these effects disappeared when ordinal alpha was used. There were no systematic effects of response options on convergent validity and criterion validity correlations. Given these results, there seems to be few psychometric reasons for deciding whether to administer personality items with five, six, or seven scale points.

Validating and developing a shortened version of the detail and flexibility (DFlex) questionnaire for eating disorders, anxiety and depression.

To validate the original and a shortened version of the Detail and Flexibility (DFlex) Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and discriminant validity estimates were conducted within individuals with a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) (n=124), an anxiety disorder and/or depression (n=219), and a community sample (n=852) (Part 1). Convergent validity of the DFlex through comparisons with the Autism Spectrum Quotient, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, and Group Embedded Figures Task was undertaken within a combined ED and community sample (N=68). Test-retest reliability of the DFlex was also examined across 2years in a community sample (N=85) (Part 2). The original factor structure of the DFlex was not supported. Hence, a shortened version, the DFlex-Revised, was developed. Good discriminant validity was obtained for the DFlex and DFlex-Revised, however, support for convergent validity was mixed. Finally, the 2-year test-retest reliability for the two DFlex versions was found to be low, suggesting potential malleability in construct over this timeframe. Further research is needed to validate the DFlex in clinical and non-clinical populations using different neurocognitive tests. Test-retest, using varied time intervals, should also be assessed.

The Hebrew version of the adolescent and adult time inventory–time attitudes scales (AATI–TA): a validation study

In the present study, we examined the construct validity of scores on the Hebrew version of the Adolescent and Adult Time Inventory–Time Attitudes Scale (AATI–TA). The AATI–TA was translated into Hebrew by bilingual speakers, using the back-translation method. Participants included 452 young adults (Mage = 22.47, SDage = 1.98, 51.5% female). Several measures of psychological well-being were used to establish convergent validity, including scales assessing self-esteem, life satisfaction, and optimism, and depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Internal consistency estimates for AATI–TA scores were high and confirmatory factor analyses supported the six-factor structure. Correlational analyses indicated the expected relationships between time attitudes and measures of psychological well-being, providing convergent validity support for the AATI–TA scores. The findings of this study support the use of the Hebrew version of the AATI–TA in further studies about time attitudes.

TANGO: A reliable, open-source, browser-based task to assess individual differences in gaze understanding in 3 to 5-year-old children and adults.

Traditional measures of social cognition used in developmental research often lack satisfactory psychometric properties and are not designed to capture variation between individuals. Here, we present theTANGO (Task for Assessing iNdividual differences in Gaze understanding-Open); a brief (approx. 5-10min), reliable, open-source task to quantify individual differences in the understanding of gaze cues. Localizing the attentional focus of an agent is crucial in inferring their mental states, building common ground, and thus, supporting cooperation. Our interactive browser-based task works across devices and enables in-person and remote testing. The implemented spatial layout allows for discrete and continuous measures of participants' click imprecision and is easily adaptable to different study requirements. Our task measures inter-individual differences in a child (N = 387) and an adult (N = 236) sample. Our two study versions and data collection modes yield comparable results that show substantial developmental gains: the older children are, the more accurately they locate the target. High internal consistency and test-retest reliability estimates underline that the captured variation is systematic. Associations with social-environmental factors and language skills speak to the validity of the task. This work shows a promising way forward in studying individual differences in social cognition and will help us explore the structure and development of our core social-cognitive processes in greater detail.