Internal Consistency Of Measure Research Articles

Examining patient reported outcome measures for phantom limb pain: measurement use in a sample of Veterans with amputation

Purpose Phantom limb pain (PLP) is treated with medications and non-drug treatments. Best clinical practices for measuring treatment outcomes have not been defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in a sample of Veterans with lower limb amputation. Materials and Methods The Veteran phone survey included administering PROMs [1) PLP numeric rating scale (NRS), 2) general pain NRS, 3) Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity (PEG) scale, 4) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference Short Form 6b Replacement, 5) PROMIS Short Form Depression 4a and 6) PROMIS Short Form Anxiety 4a]. Results Fifty Veterans (48 male, 2 female; average age: 66 years) completed PROMs. In our sample, 40 Veterans (80%) experienced PLP with an average PLP NRS of 5 (±3.4). Internal consistency of each measure was good to excellent based on Cronbach’s alpha co-efficient of >0.80. Correlations were moderate between PLP NRS and all other measures (≤0.32). Although many Veterans expressed bothersome PLP, the scores reflecting pain interference and impact on function were lower than pain intensity. Consistent use of outcome measures is needed to determine the effect of interventions for amputation-related pain.

An assessment of HgII to preserve carbonate system parameters in organic‐rich estuarine waters

AbstractThis work assesses the effectiveness of sample preservation techniques for measurements of pHT (total scale), total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT), and total alkalinity (AT) in organic‐rich estuarine waters as well as the internal consistency of measurements and calculations (e.g., AT, pHT, and CT) in these waters. Using mercuric chloride (HgCl2)‐treated and untreated water samples, measurements of these carbonate system parameters were examined over a period of 3 months. Respiration of dissolved organic matter in untreated samples created large discrepancies in CT concentrations (~37 μmol kg−1 increase, p < 0.0001), while CT was effectively constant in treated samples (3095.0 ± 1.14 μmol kg−1). AT changes were observed for both treated and untreated samples, with HgCl2‐treated samples showing the greatest variation (~ 26 μmol kg−1 decrease, p < 0.001). In response to changing AT/CT ratios, pHT changes occurred in both treated and untreated samples but were relatively small in treated samples. Results in organic‐rich estuarine waters that reflect the in situ carbonate system characteristics of the samples at the time of collection can be improved when samples obtained for CT and AT analysis are collected and stored separately. Accurate analyses of CT can be obtained by filtration and preservation with HgCl2. Accuracy of AT analyses can be improved by filtration and storage without adding HgCl2. The quality of pHT measurements can be improved by prompt analysis in the field and, if this cannot be accomplished, then samples can be preserved with HgCl2 and measured in the laboratory within 1 week.

Feasibility study of the Home-based Exercises for Responsible Sex (HERS) intervention to promote correct and consistent condom use among young women

BackgroundMale condoms are effective in preventing common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, if used correctly and consistently. However, condom use errors and problems are common and young people report negative experiences, such as reduced pleasure. The Kinsey Institute Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex (KIHERS) is a novel condom promotion intervention for young women, which aims to reduce condom errors and problems, increase self-efficacy and improve attitudes towards condoms, using a pleasure-focussed approach. The study objective was to test the operability, viability and acceptability of an adapted version of the KIHERS intervention with young women aged 16–25 years in the United Kingdom (UK) (Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex-UK (HERS-UK).MethodsA repeated-measures single-arm design was used, with a baseline (T1) and two follow-up assessments (T2 and T3), conducted 4 weeks and 8 weeks post intervention over a 3-month period. Participants were provided a condom kit containing different condoms and lubricants and were asked to experiment with condoms alone using a dildo and/or with a sexual partner. Ten process evaluation interviews were conducted post intervention.ResultsFifty-five young women received the intervention; 36 (65%) completed T2 and 33 (60%) completed T3. Condom use errors and problems decreased, self-efficacy increased and attitudes towards condoms improved significantly. The proportion of participants who reported using a condom for intercourse in the past 4 weeks increased from T1 (20; 47%) to T2 (27; 87%) and T3 (23; 77%) and using lubricant with a condom for intercourse increased from T1 (6; 30%) to T2 (13; 48%)) and T3 (16; 70%). However, motivation to use condoms did not change. Cronbach’s alpha scores indicated good internal consistency of measures used. Qualitative data provided strong evidence for the acceptability of the intervention.ConclusionsHERS-UK was implemented as intended and the recruitment strategy was successful within a college/university setting. This feasibility study provided an early indication of the potential effectiveness and acceptability of the intervention, and the benefits of using a pleasure-focussed approach with young women. Measures used captured change in outcome variables and were deemed fit for purpose. Future research should explore cost-effectiveness of this intervention, in a large-scale controlled trial using a diverse sample and targeting young women most at risk of STIs.

Validity and reliability of Korean version Competency Assessment Tool-Mental Health

Abstract Objective To establish basic data for identifying the level of mental health care competency of general nurses through verification of the reliability and validity of Competency Assessment Tool-Mental Health in the development of a measurement tool for mental health care competency in Korea. Methods This study was conducted on nurses working at general wards, excluding those working at the Department of Psychiatry, in five hospitals with 200 beds or more located in Korea. Content, construct, concurrent validity, and internal consistency of the measurement were confirmed. Results As a result of the construct validity, the section on importance of skills and knowledge for mental health care had 21 items, whereas the section on benefits of additional education had 22 items. The internal consistency of measurement was confirmed as follows: Cronbach's α = 0.96 for the section on importance and 0.96 for the section on benefits section. Conclusions This study verified the high validity and reliability of the tool in assessing the mental health care competency of nurses, and it is believed to be significant as basic data for enhancing such competency.

Authentic leadership towards sustainability in higher education – an integrated green model

PurposeSustainability in higher education has drawn the attention of various scholars. However, to date, very few studies have examined the human side of green employee behaviour towards sustainability. Thus, to address this gap, this study aims to analyse the effect of green authentic leadership towards sustainability in higher education, with the intervening impact of green internal branding and green training.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined the data collected from faculty and their immediate heads from private higher education institutions. Tests for reliability, validity and internal consistency of measures followed by exploratory factor analysis were conducted for each measure. The hypotheses were tested through hierarchical regression analysis while confirmatory factor analysis was done to test the fit of the model.FindingsThe results supported the fit of the proposed model and showed positive and significant effect of green authentic leadership on the sustainability in higher education. Further, green internal branding had a mediating effect between green authentic leadership and sustainability and green training showed a significant moderating role between green authentic leadership and sustainability relationship.Originality/valueThe study contributes to ongoing research in the field of green employee behaviour, green HRM practices and sustainability in higher education. Further, the study provides practical implications to enable higher education institution to work towards sustenance effectively.

Factor model of social media marketing effect on brand loyalty

This research presents the model regarding core factors of social media marketing effect on brand loyalty. The conceptual model was defined based on the five hypotheses. It was conducted a reliability analysis based on the internal consistency of measurements, using Cronbach Alpha and composite reliability coefficients. The model shows that the characteristics of social media marketing communications have a direct effect on brand trust and brand affect. It also demonstrates that brand trust has a direct effect on brand affect and on brand loyalty. Brand affect has also a direct effect on brand loyalty. The research demonstrated that social media marketing communication has the capacity to influence brand trust and brand affect, the two main determinants of brand loyalty. The model shows that the characteristics of social media marketing communications have a direct effect on brand trust and brand affect. It also demonstrates that brand trust has a direct effect on brand affect and on brand loyalty. Brand affect has also a direct effect on brand loyalty. Therefore, all five research hypotheses were validated. The implications for marketing theory and practice are discussed, and avenues for future research are proposed.

Studies on Cd1Se0.6Te0.4 Thin Films by Spectroscopic and Diffractometer Characterization

Cadmium selenide tellurium is a compound containing cadmium, tellurium and selenium elements forming a combined solid. Hall measurements suggest that it is an n-type semiconductor. Related optical studies indicate that is transparent to infra-red radiation. Structural studies clearly show that it has a wurtzite, sphalerite crystalline forms. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, and selenium is only toxic in large amounts or doses. By this toxicity, cadmium selenide is a known to be carcinogen to humans; however, this does not stop investigating it for optoelectronic applications. Current research has narrowed down to investigating cadmium selenide when in the form of nanoparticles. Cadmium selenide finds applications has found applications in opto-electronic devices like laser diodes, biomedical imaging, nano-sensing, high-efficiency solar cells and thin-film transistors. By chemical bath deposition, Cd 1 Se 0.6 Te 0.4 thin films were grown onto glass. Tellurium was gradually introduced as an impurity and its crystalline structure and optical properties were investigated by XRD and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The main Cd 1 Se 0.6 Te 0.4 /glass characteristics were correlated with the conditions of growing and post-growth treatment and it was found out that films were homogeneous films with controllable thickness onto the glass substrate and suitable for n-type “sandwich” heterostructures applications. Comparison of the intensities of equivalent reflexions provided a test for the internal consistency of the measurements. Equivalent reflexions in two specimens differed on average by 1.4 % and 0.6 % from the mean measured intensity, attesting to the high internal consistency of measurements from extended-face crystals. By comparison from data obtained from all samples showed their average deviation from the mean to be 0.9 %.

Stress Management Strategies: An Approach For Productive Employee Performance In The Nigerian Banking Organizations A Survey Of Commercial Banking Firms In Nigeria:

The objective of the study is to determine the impact of stress management strategies on the performance output in the commercial banking organization in Nigeria. The population of the study comprises of all the operational twenty one (21) commercial banking firms in Nigeria as at December, 2016, totaled at 64,846 employees. The sample size for the study is 398 and is determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Bowley’s allocation formula is used in determining respective commercial banks sample size. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection are employed in this research, confirmatory factor analysis with Varimax rotation has been performed to examine whether the classification of the variable into the specific factors is valid or not. In this case individual approaches, organizational approaches for managing stress and consequence of stress on performance output. Kaiser-Meyer-Oikin (KMO) test is used to measure sampling adequacy accepting a weak threshold of 0.5 and Bartlett’s test of Sphericity is also adopted and Total Variance Explained (TVE) score is used to measure how data is distributed within a range and also how much response differs (accepted threshold is 0.6). Cronbach Alpha (α) reliability test is performed to assess internal consistency of measurement adopting a weak threshold of 0.6. Multiple regression test is used in the test of two (2) formulated hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that strategies/approaches adopted for the management of stress in the banking organizations such as realistic goal setting, placement of employees in appropriate jobs, time management, prioritizing activities and schedules amongst others will have a positive impact on performance of employee in banking organizations. Another finding reveals that consequences of stress symptoms have a significant effect on performance output of employees in the commercial banking firms in Nigeria (i.e, increase height blood pressure, anxiety, irritability, job turnover, sleep disorder, insomnia, heart attacks amongst others). The study recommendation are that employee that are assigned responsibilities and task for performance be experienced and skillful enough to live up to expected standards of job performance so that stress will not catch up with them. Again, proper delegation of authority and responsibilities, proper job descriptions, determination of objectives of the organization, proper job designs to suit the skills and needs of the employee, establishment of employee wellness programs, proper communications amongst others, are good strategies to adopt in managing stress in banking organizations for optimal growth and performance.

Foot and ankle ability measure to measure functional limitations in patients with foot and ankle disorders: a Chinese cross-cultural adaptation and validation

Purpose: To perform a cultural adaptation and validation study (internal and external) of the FAAM questionnaire to create the Chinese version of the questionnaire (FAAM-Ch).Materials and methods: Two independent professional native translators performed a translation from English to Chinese and reverse translation. Psychometric properties analysis: Internal consistency of measure was analysed through the Cronbach’s α coefficients. After extraction by maximum likelihood (EML), the structure factor and construct validity was analysed; to extract a factor, it was necessary to complete the following three requirements: ≥10% of variance, Eigenvalue >1.0 and scree plot inflection point. Standard error measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change 90 (MDC90) were calculated. FFI-Taiwan version, SF12v2, and EuroQol5D were used for criterion validity analysis.Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) for specific FAAM-Ch subscales was 0.879 (ADL) and 0.901 (Sport); test–retest analysis (interclass correlation) item ranging between 0.758 and 0.970 (ADL: 0758–0946; Sport: 0.911–0.970). Measures error: 3.449% (MDC90) and 1.478% (SEM). Chi-squared value =15228.74 and gl 406) (p < 0.001) and the Kaiser–Meyer–Oklin values (0.919). The correlation level with the FFI is strong, with SF12v2 is between poor and strong and with EuroQoL5d is between moderate and strongConclusions: FAAM-Chinese version has satisfactory “transversal” psychometric properties, facilitating the inclusion of FAAM-Chinese into research and clinical practice.Implications for RehabilitationCross-cultural adaptation of the FAAM-Ch has been performed from the original version.The psychometric properties of the FAAM-Ch indicate satisfactory and consistent results (particularly in the internal consistence, reliability and criterion validity) with the original version.FAAM-Ch can be used by Chinese speaking clinicians and researches.

Reliability of Performance-Based Clinical Measurements to Assess Shoulder Girdle Kinematics and Positioning: Systematic Review.

Deviant shoulder girdle movement is suggested as an eminent factor in the etiology of shoulder pain. Reliable measurements of shoulder girdle kinematics are a prerequisite for optimizing clinical management strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, measurement error, and internal consistency of measurements with performance-based clinical tests for shoulder girdle kinematics and positioning in patients with shoulder pain. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2015. Articles published in Dutch, English, or German were included if they involved the evaluation of at least one of the measurement properties of interest. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality per studied measurement property with the 4-point-rating scale of the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) checklist, extracted data, and assessed the adequacy of the measurement properties. Forty studies comprising more than 30 clinical tests were included. Actual reported measurements of the tests were categorized into: (1) positional measurement methods, (2) measurement methods to determine dynamic characteristics, and (3) tests to diagnose impairments of shoulder girdle function. Best evidence synthesis of the tests was performed per measurement for each measurement property. All studies had significant limitations, including incongruence between test description and actual reported measurements and a lack of reporting on minimal important change. In general, the methodological quality of the selected studies was fair to poor. High-quality evidence indicates that measurements obtained with the Modified Scapular Assistance Test are not reliable for clinical use. Sound recommendations for the use of other tests could not be made due to inadequate evidence. Across studies, diversity in description, performance, and interpretation of similar tests was present, and different criteria were used to establish similar diagnoses, mostly without taking into account a clinically meaningful context. Consequently, these tests lack face validity, which hampers their clinical use. Further research on validity and how to integrate a clinically meaningful context of movement into clinical tests is warranted.

Assessing impact of internal marketing on business performance

Objectives of the dissertation1. To understand how DMOs (Destination Management Organization) internally market themselves.2. To develop and standardize the measures to evaluate internal marketing in case of destinations.3. To analyse and understand the relationship between internal marketing and destination performance.4. To recommend to destination managers and planners ways and means to improve destination performance (for internal customers).MethodologyThe quantitative part of the study in this research involved the collection of primary data from the stakeholders (i.e. restaurateur and hotelier, civil authorities, tour guide and escort, public and private monument authorities, employees of tourism authorities, travel agencies/ tour operator, event managers and merchandisers) at destination in selected states of India. For this purpose, data were collected from the four states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi) out of the top 11 states of touristic activities in India according to the Ministry of Tourism, India.The study has utilised some forms of qualitative research also. Hence, case studies have taken place in the thesis; those are about Atithi Devo Bhava and Malaysian Hospitality.A structured questionnaire was developed to measure the effect of internal marketing on destination performance. At the beginning of the questionnaire the role of stakeholder was asked for preparing a respondent profile and segregating them on the basis of the nature of their role in the tourism industry. Section A had 1 question, which represented the 13 internal marketing dimensions. This section asked how important were each of the 13 variables. This section was, therefore, about stakeholders' expectations from DMOs. Section B also had 1 question about overall destination performance. Section C, had 12 questions which attempted to measure actual performance of internal marketing effects at the chosen destinations. This section was about the stakeholders' experience through DMOs during the routine operations of the business. Section D comprised of 6 questions of 8 variables, which measured destination performance.Statistical tools were used to evaluate corelations between internal marketing variables and measures of destination performance. All the statistical tools were applied through statistical software packages IBM's SPSS 21.0, AMOS 21.0, and spreadsheet software package Microsoft's Excel 2013.Internal consistency of measures was established through item to total correlation on each section of instrument, separately. Cronbach Alpha (a) and split-half reliability coefficients were computed.Face validity of all the three measures was ensured while selecting the statements for the measures. Content validity was established through the introduction of measures to a panel of judges consisting of experts in the area of specialization from the academics and professional field. The content validity was reconfirmed through factor analysis also.Paired-sample t-test has been applied to check the gap between expectations and experience of stakeholders from DMOs at a destination. One way ANOVA has been applied to evaluate the significance of difference between the states and stakeholders on certain parameters of variables. Ranking of variables has been done on the basis of their mean score and standard deviation for identifying the most important ones.The cause and effect relationships of all the variables were established separately through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Relationships between dependent and independent variables have been established through simple linear regression (one dependent and independent) through AMOS. The relationships were also established for each of the cells in the research design with simple regression. Z-test was computed to evaluate the significance of difference between the various categories of stakeholders and states on the basis of the mean scores for all the variables. …

Measuring the reliability of knowledge management

Purpose – As a way of assessing the ability of organizations to discover and manage unexpected failures in organizational capabilities of knowledge management (KM), this study aims to develop a measurement instrument that involves the five reliability dimensions of preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify interpretations, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise. Design/methodology/approach – To generate measurement items, previous research related to organizational reliability, high reliability theory, mindfulness, and required organizational capabilities of KM was reviewed. The measurement instrument was then verified in terms of reliability and validity, empirically using data from 240 companies in North America. Internal consistency of measurements, measurement item reliability, and construct reliability were examined to ensure the reliability of the instrument. Based on confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling, construct validit...

Potential impact of DOM accumulation on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;f&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;CO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; and carbonate ion computations in ocean acidification experiments

Abstract. The internal consistency of measurements and computations of components of the CO2-system, namely total alkalinity (AT, total dissolved carbon dioxide (CT), CO2 fugacity (fCO2) and pH, has been confirmed repeatedly in open ocean studies when the CO2 system had been over determined. Differences between measured and computed properties, such as ΔfCO2 (= fCO2 (measured) – fCO2 (computed from AT and CT)) / fCO2 (measured) × 100), are usually below 5%. Recently, Hoppe et al. (2012) provided evidence of significantly larger ΔfCO2 in some experimental setups. These observations are currently not well understood. Here we discuss a case from a series of phytoplankton culture experiments with ΔfCO2 of up to about 25%. ΔfCO2 varied systematically during the course of these experiments and showed a clear correlation with the accumulation of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Culture and mesocosm experiments are often carried out under high initial nutrient concentrations, yielding high biomass concentrations that in turn often lead to a substantial build-up of DOM. In such experiments, DOM can reach concentrations much higher than typically observed in the open ocean. To the extent that DOM includes organic acids and bases, it will contribute to the alkalinity of the seawater contained in the experimental device. Our analysis suggests that whenever substantial amounts of DOM are produced during the experiment, standard computer programmes used to compute CO2 fugacity can underestimate true fCO2 significantly when the computation is based on AT and CT. Unless the effect of DOM-alkalinity can be accounted for, this might lead to significant errors in the interpretation of the system under consideration with respect to the experimentally applied CO2 perturbation. Errors in the inferred fCO2 can misguide the development of parameterisations used in simulations with global carbon cycle models in future CO2-scenarios. Over determination of the CO2-system in experimental ocean acidification studies is proposed to safeguard against possibly large errors in estimated fCO2.

Measuring the usability of academic digital libraries

PurposeThis study aims to develop a measurement instrument, which involves four usability dimensions of efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and learnability, as a way of assessing the usability of academic digital libraries.Design/methodology/approachTo generate measurement items, previous research related to usability frameworks, usability guidelines, and empirical usability tests was reviewed. The measurement instrument was then verified in terms of reliability and validity, empirically using data from 230 actual users of an academic digital library. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, internal consistency of measurements, measurement item reliability, and construct reliability were examined. Construct validity, which consists of convergent validity and discriminant validity, was also examined on the basis of confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe usability evaluation instrument suggested in this study comprises four dimensions: efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and learnability, and three to four items were identified to measure each dimension.Originality/valueTo date, while many of the usability studies have relied on either experimental methods or inspection methods, few studies have been conducted to identify evaluation measures that can assess the usability of a digital library from a survey method. This study is one of a few studies to develop a measurement instrument tailored to academic digital library environments.

The reliability and internal consistency of an Internet-capable computer program for measuring utilities.

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and internal consistency of measurements of utilities performed with a computer program (iMPACT2) designed for Internet surveys and Internet patient decision-support systems. We implemented the Internet Multimedia Preference Assessor Construction Tool, version 2 (iMPACT2) program using the combination of a web server, HTML files, and a web-accessible database. The program randomized subjects, screened their responses for missing data and failures of internal consistency, assisted patients with resolving certain inconsistencies, and, upon a subject's completion of the protocol, provided a report of results to the research assistant administering the program. To validate the iMPACT2 program, we recruited 60 healthy community volunteers and elicited preferences in a research-lab setting using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the standard gamble (SG) for subject's current health and three hypothetical states. For purposes of comparison, we also administered a Short Form-12 (SF-12) health-assessment questionnaire. Subjects used the computer software on two occasions separated by 2-4 weeks of time. Visual analog scale and standard gamble ratings for subjects' current health were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 and 0.84 (two outliers excluded -0.60 without exclusions), respectively) were comparable with the reliability of the Physical and Mental Component scales of the SF-12 (ICCs of 0.84 and 0.75, respectively). Subjects could easily discriminate between hypothetical states (D scores 0.74 for SG and 0.90 for VAS), and 94% had a completely internally consistent ordering of preference ratings for states. iMPACT2 produces measurements of standard gamble utilities that are reliable and have a high degree of internal consistency. Procedures for assessment of utilities developed for desktop computer programs can be translated to software designed for the Internet, facilitating the use of utilities and endpoints in clinical trials and development of web-based decision-support applications for patients. However, further testing, including direct comparisons with traditional interviewer administered utility elicitation protocols, is needed.

The internal consistency of CO2 measurements in the equatorial Pacific

During a recent NOAA JGOFS Equatorial Pacific cruise all four analytical parameters of the carbonate system were measured—pH, total alkalinity (TA), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), and the fugacity of carbon dioxide (fCO2). The measurements made during leg 2 on surface waters have been used to examine the internal consistency of the carbon dioxide system in these waters. The internal consistency of the measurements was examined by using various inputs of the measured parameters (pHTA, pHTCO2, pHfCO2, fCO2TA, fCO2TCO2 and TATCO2) to calculate the components of the CO2 system. The results indicate that the measurements have an internal consistency of ±0.003–0.006 in pH, ±5–7 μmol kg−1 in TA, ±5–7 μmol kg−1 in TCO2 and ±6–9 μAtm in fCO2 if reliable constants are used for the dissociation of carbonic acid in seawater. These results indicate that our present understanding of the thermodynamics of the carbonate system in seawater is close to the present accuracy in measuring the various parameters of the system (±0.002 in pH, ±4 μmol kg−1 in TA, ±2 μmol kg−1 in TCO2 and ±2 μAtm in fCO2).

A Multilevel, Multivariate Model for Studying School Climate With Estimation Via the EM Algorithm and Application to U.S. High-School Data

In many studies of school climate, researchers ask teachers a series of questions, and the responses to related questions are averaged or summed to create a scale score for each teacher on each dimension of climate under investigation. Researchers have disagreed, however, about the analysis of such data: Some have utilized the teacher as the analytic unit, and some have utilized the school as the unit. In this article, we propose a three-level, multivariate statistical modeling strategy that resolves the unit-of-analysis dilemma and unifies thinking about the analysis in such studies. A reanalysis of U. S. high-school data illustrates how to estimate and interpret: (a) the level of interteacher agreement on each climate dimension; (b) the internal consistency of measurement at the teacher and school levels; and (c) the correlations among “true” climate scores at each level. A linear model analysis utilized teacher control over school and classroom policy and teacher morale as bivariate latent outcomes to be predicted by school-level variables (e.g., sector, size, composition) and by teacher-level variables (e.g., education, race, sex, subject matter). Implications for conceptualization, design, analysis, and interpretation in future studies of school climate are considered.

ALPHATST: Testing for Differences in Values of Coefficient Alpha

In many research contexts, differences in the internal consistency of measures may be important to examine. Methods for the statistical comparison of sample estimates of Cronbach's (1951) alpha coefficient have been developed and tested for cases involving estimates from several independent groups or for different tests administered to the same sample presented a useful summary and analysis of available methods for testing hypotheses about coefficient alpha. The ALPHATST program incorporates formulas presented in Feldt et al. (1987) to allow for the testing of hypotheses about the equivalence of values of coefficient alpha

The internal consistency of measures of cognitive structure.

The internal consistency of measures of cognitive structure.

Morphometric consistency with the Hausdorff-Besicovich dimension

Measurements of perimeters, areas, and volumes of a set of landforms of known common origin but of disparate size often appear inconsistent with the fact of a common origin. For example, an atoll having twice the mean diameter of some similar atoll landforms may not have a perimeter which measures twice as large; usually the perimeters would be greater than a factor of two larger. Similarly, studies which use different measurement resolutions on a single morphologic feature may yield vastly different measured values for the perimeter. Apparent internal inconsistencies such as these have severely impeded numerical taxonomy, description, and modeling of landforms. Fortunately, the underlying internal consistency of measurements often can be reestablished through the introduction of the Hausdorff—Besicovich dimension into the analysis. This will be demonstrated by the example of perimeter—area ratio measurements made on some of the complicated ejecta deposits that surround many martian meteorite-impact craters.