First-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis Research Articles

Relationship Marketing Practices and Export Performance of SMEs in an Emerging Economy: A Mediation Analysis

This inquiry investigated the association between relationship marketing practices-(RMP) and firm performance-(FP) proxy by export performance-(EP) of SMEs in Ghana, utilizing innovation-(INN) and opportunity exploration-(OPE) as mediators. The inquiry espoused a cross-sectional research design, employing SmartPLS-3.3.3 to perform descriptive statistics, principal component analyses-(PCA), exploratory factor analyses-(EFA), reliability/validity analyses, partial least square-structural equation modeling-(PLS-SEM) path analyses via first-order confirmatory factor analysis-(CFA) for testing the hypotheses. Primary data was gathered employing closed-end-(standardized) questionnaires, implementing self-administered, researcher guided face-to-face real-time (immediate) data collection methodology. Secondary data-(financial information) was extracted from annual reports of the SMEs. Complete enumeration was utilized to select all 360 registered SMEs in good standing with the Ghana Enterprise Agency-(GEA) and Association of Ghana Industries-(AGI) forming the sampling frame and sample size. Findings revealed that all seven RMP explanatory variables namely, communication-(COM), adaptation-(ADP), corporation-(COP), trust-(TST), social connections-(SOC), reciprocity-(RCP), relationship quality-(REQ) significantly exerted positive impacts on FP/EP, with REQ exhibiting the most potent predictor, followed by COM, ADP, COP, TST, SOC, and RCP. Again, findings depict that innovation-(INN) and opportunity exploration-(OPE) partially mediated the relationship between RMP and FP/EP. The paper contributes to literature by incorporating the unexplored mediators of INN and OPE, within SMEs in an emerging economy. By establishing connections and suggesting further avenues for research, the paper strengthens its argument both methodologically and conceptually.

Psychometric Properties of the Principal Instructional Leadership Scale (PILS) in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundsThe principal instructional leadership describes how school principals oversee the curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The main aims of the current study were translation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Principal Instructional Leadership Scale (PILS) in a Saudi Arabian population. MethodsThe translation and cross-cultural adaptation process has been conducted in five stages, including forward translation, translation synthesis, backward translation, expert committee, and pilot testing. Face, content, construct, and convergent validity were used to establish validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega (Ω) were used for internal consistency. ResultsTo validate the PILS structure, the total sample (N = 724) was randomly split into two subgroups, each comprising 362 individuals, for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Five factors obtained from EFA explain 71.07 % of the variance in PILS. The PILS encompasses domains of improving curriculum quality, teaching, and enhancing the effectiveness of adaptive learning, adding to the dimensions covered by previous instructional leadership measures. The five components show strong internal consistency (0.93 to 0.97). Both first-order and second-order CFAs confirmed the 5-factor model, meeting criteria (CFI > 0.91, GFI > 0.9, IFI > 0.9, RMSEA<0.05). All 21 items displayed suitable internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.8, McDonald's omega >0.7). Second-order average variance extracted validity (0.50) indicated PILS validity. Gender invariance analysis revealed no significant differences (∆CFI < 0.01, ΔRMSEA<0.01) in PILS structure between genders. ConclusionThe reliability and validity of the Arabic rendition of PILS are commendable, making it suitable for evaluating principal instructional leadership in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluating the impact of internet communication quality in human resource management on the productivity of construction projects

This research endeavors to examine the intricate relationship between human resource management and communication management in Iraqi construction projects, exploring their impact on project productivity. Beyond its primary objectives, the study aims to identify key challenges and limitations in implementing effective communication and human resource management practices in the Iraqi construction sector. Understanding these challenges provides valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, informing strategies to overcome obstacles and enhance project productivity. The research methodology involves an initial survey using a main questionnaire, focusing on three key areas: internet communication in human resource management, the influence of internet quality on construction project management, and factors affecting work productivity. The sample size, determined using Morgan's Table, requires a minimum of 248 participants. The questionnaire is distributed to engineers, managers, and technicians, with the number of respondents meeting the required sample size. Data analysis utilizes the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), conducting Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for each variable to identify underlying factors. A first-order confirmatory factor analysis is performed using the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) program, creating a structural model incorporating three variables and their associated factors. Out of the initial 64 factors, 21 are included in the final model, refined based on modification indices (M.I) output to improve fit. Results indicate a significant positive effect (0.92) of internet communication quality on labor productivity, while the impact of labor resource management is relatively negligible (−0.07). The size effect of variables on human resource management is 0.05, suggesting a small but non-zero effect. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of internet communication quality in enhancing labor productivity in construction projects and emphasize the need for effective human resource management practices in the industry. This study contributes valuable insights for project managers and practitioners in construction sector.

Investigation of Zero Waste Management Behavior in Turkey

&lt;p&gt;Population growth, industrialization and technological advances have significantly increased waste production, waste collection, transportation and disposal induced significant costs. Waste could be considered a resource that allows nations to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials, protect natural resources and improve economic revenues by reducing environmental pressures. Zero waste approach for sustainable waste management has been approved and implemented globally. The present study aimed to investigate the basic zero-waste management in Turkey. Thus a scale that included eight items was developed and validity and reliability of the scale were analyzed. Explanatory factor analysis (EFA) was initially applied. Then, the fitness of the model was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's α (internal consistency coefficient) was calculated as 0.778. Chi-square test, RMSEA, GFI and CFI fit indices were employed in the first-order confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the whole sample. Chi-square was calculated as 1.310 in confirmatory factor analysis. Also, comparative and absolute fit indices were determined as follows: RMSEA=0.035, GFI=0.976, CFI=0.987, RMR=0.030. The analysis of the findings revealed that “Zero Waste Management Behavior” scale fit indices demonstrated excellent model fit for the findings. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between one-way ANOVA and T test results on participant statements based on gender, while there were significant differences between these variables based on age, education level and the region of residence.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Race-Based Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale in a sample of Asian American adults.

The present study examined the factor structure of the Race-Based Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale (RBTSSS) in a sample of Asian American adults. The sample (n = 403) comprised 78% women, ages 18-72 years, who were administered the RBTSSS in a survey. A first-order and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. The RBTSSS demonstrated good internal consistency in the present study, Cronbach's αs = .78-.94. The first-order CFA revealed mixed model fit indices, χ²(1,253) = 3,431.52, p < .001, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .066, comparative fit index (CFI) = .875, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = .868. The second-order CFA revealed similar mixed findings, χ²(1,267) = 3,559.93, p < .001, RMSEA = .067, CFI = .869, TLI = .863. Findings demonstrated mixed support for the factor structure of the RBTSSS in a sample of Asian American adults. Future research may consider additional testing of the RBTSSS in Asian Americans and further exploring the construct of racial trauma in Asian Americans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Measuring design thinking competence in Taiwanese nursing students: a cross-cultural instrument adaptation

BackgroundDesign thinking (DT) competence, a creative problem-solving ability, has been investigated extensively among college students in various professional fields within the western cultures. No instrument, however, is available for assessing DT competence in nursing students, particularly, those in non-western cultures.ObjectiveTo adapt and validate the use of Creative Synthesis Inventory (CSI) assessing the four components (i.e., visualization, discovery, prototyping, and evaluation) of DT competence in nursing students in Taiwan.DesignCross-sectional, mixed methodological design combining qualitative and quantitative strategies.ParticipantsA 19-item CSI was administered to a total of 520 nursing students from two campuses of a science and technology university in Taiwan. The data collection was conducted between September 2020 and June 2022.MethodsThe cross-cultural adaptation and validation of CSI-Taiwan was done in two phases: Phase I included content validity check, translation, and cross-cultural adaptation. Phase II involved pilot testing and psychometric evaluation.ResultsA first-order confirmatory factor analysis validated the four-component structure, namely visualization, discovery, prototyping, and evaluation, of an 18-item CSI-Taiwan (model fit indices: χ2/df = 3.953, NNFI = 0.942, CFI = 0.956, TLI = 0.947, SRMR = 0.035, and RMSEA = 0.075). A second-order confirmatory factor analysis further indicated that the four components converged on a unitary construct of DT competence (model fit indices: χ2/df = 4.082, NNFI = 0.935, CFI = 0.949, TLI = 0.940, SRMR = 0.040, and RMSEA = 0.080). Moreover, the CSI-Taiwan also demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. Together these results validated the construct of DT competence and its components as theorized.ConclusionsThe CSI-Taiwan was a reliable and valid self-report instrument to be used by Taiwanese nursing students.

A confirmatory factor analysis of the Iranian version of the interpersonal communication skills scale among healthcare professionals

BackgroundIdentifying healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) communication skills is crucial to improving patient outcomes. Iranian HCPs’ interpersonal communication skills (ICS) were validated using a culturally appropriate and indigenous scale.Materials and methodsIn November and December 2021, convenience sampling was used to collect data from 170 HCPs. Seven factors were covered by the questionnaire, which consisted of 30 items. In order to validate the scale, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed. Various indices were used during the CFA, including Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), Adjusted Goodness of Fit (AGFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). The Fornell-Larcker Criterion was used to assess discriminant validity. We analyzed the data in Lisrel 8.8 and SmartPLS 3.2.8.ResultsAccording to the Q2-index obtained from the blindfold test, the model had 44% predictive power. First-order CFA results showed acceptable indices (χ2 = 767.17; DF = 375; CFI = 0.98; GFI = 0.82; AGFI = 0.80; NFI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.22; RMSEA = 0.068). Furthermore, the second-order measurement model demonstrated adequate and desirable fit indices (χ2 = 797.24; DF = 381; CFI = 0.98; GFI = 0.82; AGFI = 0.78; NFI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.059; RMSEA = 0.068). General and listening skills were ranked highest in the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA).ConclusionHCPs could benefit from this scale as it can assist them in developing ICS. It is recommended that skills training programs be replicated among different populations to evaluate their effectiveness.

Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale-Teacher Form (SEARS-T)

This paper aims to adapt the Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale-Teacher Form (SEARS-T) into Turkish and to determine its validity and reliability. The sample of the study consisted of 430 students attending kindergarten and primary school grades 1-4. The standardized values, obtained as a result of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis (Χ²= 3.860.88 sd=773; RMSEA=.10; SRMR=.063; CFI=.98; NNFI=.97) and obtained as a result of the second-order confirmatory factor analysis (Χ²=3.895.94 sd=775; RMSEA=.10; SRMR=.063; CFI=.98; NNFI=.97), confirmed that the scale showed a four-factor structure in Turkish culture similar to its original structure. In order to provide evidence for the reliability of the scale, both Cronbach alpha values and item-test correlations were examined for the sub-dimensions and the total of the scale. According to the item test correlation, it was determined that the scale items served the purpose of measuring the feature to be measured. While Cronbach's alpha value was obtained as .982 for the whole scale, it was obtained as .950 for the responsibility sub-dimension, .953 for the social competence sub-dimension, .957 for the self-regulation sub-dimension, and .921 for the empathy sub-dimension. According to the Pearson Product Moments Correlation coefficient, the correlation coefficients between the sub-dimensions of the scale ranged from .70 to .85, and the sub-dimensions of the scale were found to have high and significant relationships with each other. In light of these findings, it has been revealed that SEARS-T-Turkish is a valid and reliable measurement tool for measuring the social and emotional skills of kindergarten and primary school children.

Influence of Emotional Branding on Consumers’ Purchase Intention: A Study on Scale Development and Mediating Role of Celebrity Endorsement

Emotional branding is a powerful branding strategy that has a significant influence on consumers final purchasing decisions, and marketers have used it extensively. The purpose of this research is to create a multifactor instrument for measuring emotional branding, to show that it can predict consumer behaviour and to investigate the mediating role of celebrity endorsement (CE) in this relationship. The study is divided into three sections. A multistage scale development and validation process was the initial step. Exploratory factor analysis determines the emotional branding scale’s (EBS’s) components in the second stage. Third, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) validated the scale. Study 1 shows scale development and zero- and first-order CFA. Study 2 shows how does CE mediate the relationship between emotional branding and purchase intention (PI). The findings indicate that each of the four structures contains 32 elements from the EBS. The study reveals that the EBS has four components (i.e., sensory appeal, brand attachment appeal, communication appeal and patriotism appeal). Emotional branding affects PI directly and statistically. CE partially mediates emotional branding and purchase intention.

What makes electricity consumers change their behavior? Influence of attitude and perceived impact of DR programs on awareness

PurposeIn this study, the authors propose a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to create a tenable measurement model and identify the factors that have the potential to enhance awareness of pro-environmental measures. The successful implementation of demand response (DR) programs and their required infrastructure is significant for moving towards green energy communities and a better environment for living. Not only can renewable energy capacities contribute to this desideratum, but also electricity consumers who, until the last decade, have played a passive role.Design/methodology/approachTo answer these questions, a complex data set of 243 post-trial questions created by the Irish CER are analyzed using first-order and hierarchical CFA models with several SAS procedures (PROC CALIS, MIANALYZE). The questionnaire was launched to over 3,000 electricity consumers from Ireland that were participants to a trial program after the installation of smart metering systems and implementation of DR programs.FindingsThe effect of five latent factors – positive attitude, negative attitude, perceived impact of own actions, price- and incentive-DR programs – is measured. With a bi-factor CFA measurement model, the authors assess that they significantly influence the electricity consumers' awareness.Research limitations/implicationsHowever, these findings have to be backed up by relevant information and simulations showing consumers benefits in exchange to their efforts. They have research implications on the design of the business models and DR programs pointing out the importance of benefits and fairness of value sharing mechanisms within energy communities.Practical implicationsThus, the electricity consumers may change their consumption behavior as they positively perceive the implementation of DR programs.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to study post-trial questionnaire and reveal latent factors that make electricity consumer change their behavior.

The development of career planning scale for junior high school students based on cognitive information processing theory.

Based on the career theory of Cognitive Information Processing (CIP), we selected scale items from literature reviews and expert guidance. The scale consisted of 28 items with 4 factors (interests, abilities, values, personality). To test the scale's factor structure, we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the model was modified according to CFA results. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the model of the scale to prove the rationality of the total score. The internal consistency were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. In addition, the composite reliability (CR) and average variance extraction (AVE) of the scale were also calculated to test the convergent validity. After related analyses, the scale was proved to have good psychometric properties, which can be used to measure junior high school students' career planning level in information technology course from the aspects of interest, ability, values, and personality. The effect of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis model constructed in this study is not ideal. Therefore, on this basis, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis model is constructed in combination with existing literatures, and the rationality of the model is verified through data, which highlights the novelty of this study.

The Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Enhancing the Warehouse Management Efficiency in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong

The purposes of this research were 1) to analyze the confirmatory factors of enhancing the warehouse management in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, and 2) to verify the tests based on the consistency between the confirmatory factor structure of enhancing the warehouse management in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province and the empirical information. The sample group was 400 warehouse employees in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province with simple random sampling. The research instrument used was the questionnaire with item objective congruence (IOC) index of 0.99. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (S.D.), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis, and second-order confirmatory factor analysis. The data were analyzed by simple statistics: percentage and standard deviation. The results of the study found that the efficiency enhancement of warehouse management in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province based on the POLC theory of Louis A. Allen. The principles of management can be distilled down to four critical functions. These functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The results of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis found that all the indexes passed the criteria. The Chi-square minimum probability (CMIN/P) was 0.108, the Chi-square minimum discrepancy per degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) was 1.137, the goodness of fit index (GFI) was 0.98, and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was of 0.02. The factor loading was between 0.90 and 0.98 at the statistical significance level of 0.01. Lastly, the factor loading ranged from the highest to the lowest as follows: organizing, planning, controlling and leading, respectively to be the guidelines for the enhancement of warehouse management efficiency in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province.

Measuring mathematics self-efficacy: Multitrait-multimethod comparison.

Previous studies had shown that there is a certain relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and math performance. For students, parents, and front-line scholars, it is urgent and important to study the measurement relationship between math achievement and self-efficacy. The research aimed to observe how to measure mathematics self-efficacy and find which of the three traits and which of the three methods better reflect individuals' self-efficacy. The present study used a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) design to measure mathematics self-efficacy by constructing the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model. "Number and Algebra," "Graphics and Geometry," and "Synthesis and Practice" were considered three traits, and General-Math-Task-referenced self-efficacy, Unconventional-Math-Problem-referenced self-efficacy, and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) self-efficacy were discussed as three methods to study. A questionnaire survey was used to obtain data. A total of 100 students completed all the questionnaires. Excel was used to collect math scores, and SPSS version 26.0 and AMOS version 26.0 were used to manage the data, confirm a hypothesis, and build a model by using MTMM design and CFA. CFA was used to verify convergent validity and discriminant validity. A total of eight models were constructed in the study that includes first-order CFA models and second-order CFA models, and model D was finally selected as the most perfect model in the second-order CFA model. The results showed that the "Synthesis and Practice" fields were the most significant reflection of self-efficacy among the three traits. MSLQ was the most significant reflection of self-efficacy among the three methods. It is beneficial to improve the level of self-efficacy from the aspect of mathematics subject. In addition, the research confirmed that CFA can support MTMM data for data modeling and found that the correlation between the Unconventional-Math-Problem-referenced self-efficacy and MSLQ is higher than that of General-Math-Task-referenced self-efficacy in the second-order model. It makes certain theoretical significance for improving students' mathematics self-efficacy levels.

Modeling Negotiating Abilities in the Construction Sector: A Proposed Mathematical Model Using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis Method

This study aims to develop a mathematical model for evaluating the objective abilities needed for negotiation and to provide a tool that companies can use to select a negotiation team. The model was constructed using a Likert pentagonal scale, where numbers from 5 to 1 represented the level of agreement or disagreement, and seven objective abilities were considered, including analytical ability, economic knowledge, legal knowledge, linguistic ability, psychological understanding, normative understanding, and general knowledge. The model was tested using a structured interview (sixteen interviews) with experts and specialists in the construction industry as a case study and then validated by quantitative data analysis method using first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a sample of consultants (220 responses) from companies and offices related to the construction sector. The study found that the model is valid for use in the construction industry and can be useful for selecting negotiators. The developed model can be used, adapted, and modified according to the needs of different negotiation situations. This research is the first of its kind to develop a mathematical model for evaluating negotiating abilities and can be used as a model for similar research studies.

Development of Summative Assessment Instruments for the Affective Aspects of Learning History

Instruments for measuring both the affective and psychomotor aspects of teaching are required. The study's overarching goal is to create a reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring affective competency (values contained in history). Nine hundred thirty-five students from Medan's XI Social Sciences high school participated as research subjects. An affective aspect assessment sheet, which is a questionnaire with various statements to gauge affective aspects, was used to collect research data. To compare measurement models and make it simpler to analyze model correctness, structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis with first- and second-order components was employed in the data analysis. The findings of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis using the ML (maximum likelihood) technique indicated that all items had a correlation coefficient greater than 0.32, and the results of testing using the model had a significance level of 0.0001, according to the research analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) findings, with support from second-order structures, are also estimated with adequate theoretical confidence. The construct reliability (CR) and variance extract (VE) coefficients indicate that the designed instrument complied with the reliability coefficient acceptability limits of 0.70 for CR and 0.50 for VE. The development process resulted in an affective competency assessment tool with 84 valid and reliable items spread across 5 dimensions and 14 indicators. The instruments created were therefore shown to be valid and reliable for assessing affective aspects of learning history. The findings of this study are utilized to diagnose student potential, particularly concerning affective components, so that students are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The findings of this study are utilized by stakeholders as input for policymaking, particularly in the area of education.

Adaptation of the Global Motivation Scale (GMS-28) in Indonesian Version

Motivation is one of the important variables for study, whereas many motivational studies have been conducted to predict learning, performance, and behavior change. The motivational scale that has gone through psychometric testing is required in motivational research to accurately describe the construct. There is still low availability of motivational scale in Indonesia that has passed the psychometric testing. Therefore, this study aims to adapt the Global Motivation Scale (GMS-28) into Indonesian. The adaptation process refers to the adaptation guidelines by the International Test Commission, where the process of adaptation also involves psychometric testing. Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire on 383 participants aged 18-25 years. The psychometric test was carried out using internal consistency reliability and validity based on internal structure. The internal consistency scale has revealed all acceptable reliability coefficients aspects with a range of a = 0.703 – 0.810. Item analysis pointed out that all items have good item-total correlation and item mean. Findings from First-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that all aspects have acceptable model fit and all of the items significantly measures the aspects on GMS-28. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the Indonesian version of the GMS-28 is suitable for use for further studies. However, further testing needs to be done using a larger sample to be used in all Indonesian populations.

증강현실 기반 가상피팅시스템 사용시 지각된 기술 속성의 다차원성 : 위계적 요인구조모델 분석

The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying dimensions of AR technological attributes (ARTA), and estimate the hierarchical factor models for using a virtual fitting system in fashion retailing. The sample in this study consisted of consumers in their 20s and 30s. A total of 173 usable responses were obtained from volunteers who agreed to participate in the lab experiments and a survey with a questionnaire. The first-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that perceived ARTA consisted of five factors: augmentation, vividness, visual comfort, responsiveness, and organized system in using the virtual fitting system. Also, the estimated second-order factor model showed that the five ARTA factors were predicted by higher-order two constructs: the first

The development of instruments for farmers’ participation in water management in tidal lowlands using confirmatory factor analysis

Water user associations or farmer groups carry out water management on tidal land. In its management, the participation of farmers in the group is necessary. This study aimed to examine the indicators of participation that positively affect the sustainability of tidal agriculture. The variables used in this study are participation (5 indicators), leadership (5 indicators), attitude &amp; understanding (4 indicators), and utilization &amp; maintenance (4 indicators). The research locations were in the tidal area of Telang Karya and Telang Rejo Village. The number of samples in this study was 245 farmers. This study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) by building the model of first-order CFA and second-order CFA. Evaluation of the model was done by looking at the Goodness of Fit Indexes, namely chi-square (χ2), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), CFI, TLI, GFI, and AGFI.&#x0D; The research results on the second-order CFA resulted in a value of R2 = 137.414, and the model was a good fit. The results of the indicators analysis used were significant to be applied in tidal lowlands agriculture.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Neal, Griffin and Hart safety behavior scale

ABSTRACT Objectives. The safety behavior scale (SBS), developed by Neal, Griffin and Hart, is one of the most widely used conceptualizations in the field of occupational safety. Previous studies have evaluated the psychometric properties of this scale in different populations. However, few validation studies have been conducted in the Latin American context. To fill these gaps in the literature, this study aimed to assess the validity, reliability and measurement invariance of this instrument in the context of the Latin American mining industry. Methods. Data were collected from 398 workers from Ecuadorian mining companies. The questionnaire was translated into Spanish following a back-translation process. The latent factorial structure of the SBS was explored by estimating a series of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory equation modeling (ESEM) models. Results. The analyses showed that the two correlated first-order factor CFA representation was the most appropriate model for the data. Measurement invariance by age, type of contract and firm size was also confirmed. Conclusions. The SBS is a valid and reliable measure of safety behavior. In addition, this study determined the applicability of this instrument in the Latin American context, which enhances opportunities for future research in the region.

Unpacking boredom factors of Chinese foreign language major students in translation classes: A sequential mixed methods study.

Though largely ignored by educators and researchers, boredom, an aversive emotion, is the hurdle for many translation learners to be professional. It is all the more important to unpack the boredom factors of Chinese foreign language major students in translation classes, which will serve in promoting students’ engagement in L2 classes and translator cultivation. By using a sequential mixed approach, this study conducted a thematic analysis and built a structural equation model. Quantitative data were gleaned from 483 foreign major college students in China and qualitative data were selected from students (N = 15) of 7 universities through snowball sampling. Initially, the first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) verified the adapted questionnaire and the second-order CFA finds each factor’s contribution. Then, the thematic analysis gives support to the empirical findings. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that task-based boredom is the most routinely experienced boredom. Moreover, two major sources of boredom in translation classes are found, including task-based boredom and teacher-related boredom. It is suggested that teachers should improve their classes and use more interesting and engaging materials and tasks with the proper level of difficulty. The finding can help educators to identify the major boredom in the translation class and help potential professional translators to grow. Future studies will also be facilitated by the present study to find approaches to tackle these boredom sources.