Measurement Invariance Of Scales Research Articles

How Does More Niceness Bring More Happiness? The Association Between Niceness, Depression, and Subjective Happiness.

Behavioral niceness has an important place in maintaining interpersonal relationships. Scale studies are needed to determine the level of niceness that plays a role in individuals' development of healthy daily interactions with other people. In this study, firstly, the psychometric properties of the Niceness Scale, which consists of six items, were examined in a Turkish sample (N = 404). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the six-item one-dimensional structure, and item response analysis revealed a high level of discrimination across all items. The relationship of the Niceness Scale with previously validated and reliable scales was examined, and it was found that criterion-related validity was achieved. Furthermore, a network analysis revealed the relationships between the variables more clearly. In the scale's measurement invariance analysis, consistency was found for both genders. Then, the reliability of the Niceness Scale was proven with different reliability values. In a different Turkish sample (N = 372), it was determined that depression played a statistically significant mediating role in the relationship between niceness and subjective happiness. In conclusion, this study revealed that the one factor and six-item Niceness Scale are valid and reliable in the Turkish sample. Moreover, boosting niceness has been determined to reduce negative situations such as depression and therefore enhance subjective happiness. All these important implications about niceness are discussed in light of the literature.

Racial Differences in Psychosocial Resources and Mental and Physical Health Outcomes during Pregnancy: A structural equation modeling approach.

Poor prenatal health is of particular concern among minoritized individuals who may experience adverse social determinants of health contributing to the intergenerational transmission of health disparities. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between psychosocial resources, and mental and physical health among a prenatal sample, and to explore if these relationships vary by race. English-speaking pregnant individuals living in the United States were recruited using Centiment (n=340). Participants completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey. We conducted a single- and multi-group structural equation model to test hypothesized relationships, and then investigated differences by pregnant White individuals versus Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our final single-group model exhibited good model fit (χ2 (43) = 99.07, p<.01, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.04, and RMSEA = 0. 06 (0.05 - 0.08)). After controlling for demographic characteristics and social determinants of health, higher levels of mindfulness were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety and depression scores (both p<.01). Higher levels of social supports were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety scores. Scale measurement invariance was confirmed for the multi-group model and the structural model was statistically significantly different between pregnant White individuals and BIPOC in this sample (Δ χ2 (27) = 116.71, p <.01). Identification of core components of psychosocial resource interventions, consideration of upstream structural determinants, mindfulness and valued-living (MVL)-based strategies, cultural adaptation, and an emphasis on resilience rather than psychopathology may result in improved prenatal health among pregnant individuals traditionally underrepresented in research.

Adaptation and validation of the Claremont Purpose Scale to measure Chinese adolescents' purpose in life.

Despite purpose measures being developed for adolescents, quantitative research investigating purposes prior to late adolescence and in non-Western societies remains nascent. This study evaluated the psychometric soundness of the Claremont Purpose Scale among Chinese adolescents. An initial prestudy (n = 34) was conducted to ensure linguistic equivalence. Subsequently, Study 1 (n = 1691) assessed the scale's reliability and factor structure, also investigating its functional equivalence across gender, adolescence stages, and language versions at the item level. Study 2 (n = 7842) investigated the scale's construct, convergent, predictive, and incremental validity, as well as tested for the scale's measurement invariance across different groups at the scale level. The results support the scale's use as a tool for researchers and practitioners to understand and cultivate purpose in adolescents.

Examining the validity and reliability of the academic entitlement scale in Turkish culture

This study aims to adapt the Academic Entitlement Scale to Turkish culture and examine the scale's measurement invariance according to gender. The study was conducted with 372 university students aged 18 and 54 (I = 20.90). The study used the Academic Entitlement Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and Locus of Control Scale as data collection tools. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to identify the construct validity of the scale. The measurement invariance of the scale according to gender was examined using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Correlations between research variables were analyzed with the Pearson Correlation Test. Cronbach's Alpha was performed to measure the internal consistency reliability of the study. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that academic entitlement was positively correlated with self-esteem and external locus of control. In addition, it was revealed that the externalized responsibility sub-dimension was positively correlated to narcissism. The research findings indicate that the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool within Turkish culture.

Lack of measurement invariance in a widely used Facebook addiction scale may thwart progress in research on social-network-use disorder: A cross-cultural study

The social-network-use disorder (SNUD) was recently proposed as a potentially useful diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision category “other specified disorders due to addictive behaviors.” Problematic Facebook use is among the most often investigated types of SNUD. Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) is the most widely used measure of problematic Facebook use. However, little data support the scale's measurement invariance across different cultural groups or age groups. The present study investigated the validity and measurement invariance of the BFAS across different countries, different age groups, and different cohorts. BFAS was administered alongside depression, anxiety, and stress measures in a total sample of 5470 university and high school students from three continents and five countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. The scale showed a lack of measurement invariance across different group comparisons. Patterns of error term correlations, factor loadings, reliability coefficients, relationships with criterion variables, as well as prevalence estimates differed in groups of interest. Lack of measurement invariance and consequently substantially different functioning of the scales across samples limits any cross-cultural comparisons and generalizability of studies' results on problematic Facebook use. Potential causes of poor cross-cultural performance of BFAS and consequences for research on SNUD are discussed.

Assessing Work-Family Conflict Experienced by Chinese Parents of Young Children: Validation of the Chinese Version of the Work and Family Conflict Scale.

While there a number of measures to assess work-family conflict already exist, there are no well-validated measures exist for clinical use with Chinese parents. This study sought to validate a Chinese version of the work and family conflict scale (WAFCS), a brief 10-item scale developed for clinical and research use with parents. Relying on a sample of 447 Chinese parents in Hong Kong, this study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the WAFCS. Results showed that a two-factor model, similar to that of the original scale, fit the data well. The scale had concurrent and discriminant validity, while the scale's measurement invariance across gender and its internal consistency were also supported. Such robust psychometric properties suggest that the WAFCS is a promising tool that can be applied in a variety of research and clinical settings to examine work-family conflict experienced by Chinese parents.

Examining the measurement invariance of the teachers' sense of self-efficacy scale in terms of gender

&lt;span&gt;The aim of this research &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;was&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; to analyze the measurement invariance of the "Teachers' Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale," developed by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy, and adapted into Turkish and Turkish culture by Çapa, Çakıroğlu and Sarıkaya, with respect to gender. Turkish version of the scale consists of 24 items and 3 subscales. The scale measures pre-service teachers' and teachers' sense of and belief in self-efficacy for student engagement, classroom management and instructional strategies. Research revealed that the scale is being used by a myriad of researchers. The sample of this study consists of 267 female, 163 male pre-service teachers who participated in the Pedagogical Formation Certificate Traning at Inönü University in the 2017-2018 academic years. First of all, CFA was executed in order to confirm the validity of the scale's current structure for both genders which was confirmed based on the analysis results. Then, MGCFA was executed to analyze the scale's measurement invariance in terms of gender. The results of the MGCFA indicated that the scale has the measurement invariance with respect to gender at each of the stages of strict, metric, scalar and &lt;br /&gt; configural invariance.&lt;/span&gt;

Validation of the French Version of Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised, Short Version (CPRS-R:S): Scale Measurement Invariance by Sex and Age

Objective: ADHD is one of the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition to clinical assessment, its diagnosis requires the use of validated and reliable behavior questionnaires such as the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R:S). Though various French versions of the CPRS-R:S have been already put to use in clinical practice and research, only a few have undergone a stringent validation process. After a previous validation of the factorial structure of Lausanne French version, we sought here for the analysis of its invariance across sex and age. Method: This validation step was carried out in a rather homogeneous French population of 365 boys and 374 girls from a single school. Two-age classes were considered: children (boys and girls) aged 9 to 11 years (n = 258) and adolescents aged 12 to 15 years (n = 481). Results: Regarding age, dimension Oppositional showed a strong invariance whereas dimensions Hyperactivity and Cognitive problems/Inattention showed a partially strong invariance. Regarding sex, dimensions Oppositional and Hyperactivity showed a partially strong invariance whereas dimension Cognitive problems/Inattention showed a partially weak invariance. The distribution of the CPRS-R:S scores is given by sex and age class. Conclusion: The Lausanne French version of the CPRS-R:S, already validated regarding its factorial structure, internal consistency, and reliability, is here validated regarding its invariance across sex and age. Caution should be taken in using dimension Cognitive problems/Inattention in comparisons between boys and girls.

Attitudes and related perceptions about product placement: a comparison of Finland, Italy and the United States

The primary goal of our study is to explore cross-national differences in attitudes and perceptions about product placements, after investigating measurement invariance. Our cross-national focus includes three countries that have not been compared previously: Finland, Italy and the USA, which differ significantly in terms of the evolution/maturity of product placement markets, regulatory structures and cultural contexts. Motivated by earlier studies, we investigate the cross-national measurement invariance of scales to measure four research constructs related to the product placement domain (attitude toward credibility of advertising, attitude toward advertising-in-general, attitude toward placement-in-general and attitude toward regulation of placements). Our research also extends earlier work focused on similar constructs from a cross-national perspective. Results from multi-group analyses using a structural equation modeling approach indicate important and statistically significant differences in latent means between the three countries for all four constructs of research interest. Substantive explanations of these differences and their implications for future practice and research are discussed.

Scales of Smoking-Related Self-Efficacy, Beliefs, and Intention: Assessing Measurement Invariance among Intermittent and Daily High School Smokers

To examine the factorial validity and measurement invariance of scales that measure smoking-related self-efficacy, beliefs, and intention between daily and intermittent adolescent smokers. Cross-sectional survey design. Selected high schools in eastern Texas. Subjects were 2888 high school current smokers; mean age 16.2 years; 53.5% male; 67.4% White, 17.8% Hispanic, 6.2% Black, 8.6% "other." Daily smokers comprised 37.9% of the sample (i.e., smoked at least one cigarette every day 30 days prior to the survey). Smoking-related self-efficacy and intention were measured by three items; beliefs were measured by four items. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the invariance of the measures between daily and intermittent smokers. Fit indices included comparative fit index (CFI), nonnormed fix index (NNFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). The three-factor measurement model had good fit for daily (CFI = .97, NNFI = .95, RMSEA = .09) and intermittent (CFI = .96, NNFI = .95, RMSEA = .09) smokers. Evidence of strong factorial invariance was found for the factors between the smoking subgroups (CFI = .96, NNFI = .96, RMSEA = .08). These measures may be used to capture and compare scores on self-efficacy to resist smoking, beliefs about benefits of smoking, and intention to smoke between daily and intermittent adolescent smokers.

Testing trust scale measurement invariance in project teams

Purpose – An important assumption in testing theoretical models is measurement invariance. However, little research in construction project management investigates the issue of measurement invariance. To bridge the gap, the current paper aims at: first, testing trust measurement invariance in project teams across gender; second, delineating various measurement invariance tests and demonstrating them with Amos; and last but not least, increasing researchers' awareness about measurement invariance issue in the construction project management field. Design/methodology/approach – The measurement invariance of trust across gender is investigated using survey data collected from architects in project design teams of A-level architectural design institutes in China. Multisample confirmatory factor analysis is conducted with Amos to test configural invariance, metric invariance, scalar invariance, factor covariance and variance invariance, error variance invariance, latent mean invariance of the Chinese version of McAllister's two-dimension trust scale. Findings – All the test results of the above invariances are supportive. Goodness-of-fit indexes such as CFI deserve more empirical studies to verify. Research limitations/implications – The results imply that the trust structure of male and female architects is equivalent. In other words, male and female architect data of trust research in construction project management could be aggregated. Practical implications – It is recommended that test of measurement invariance should be conducted while new measurement scales are under construction. Originality/value – Since all the invariance tests are rarely conducted within a single study, the current research is the first paper to investigate the measurement invariance issue in the construction industry.

Investigation of age and gender effects on positive orientation in Italian twins.

We investigated age and gender effects on "Positive Orientation" (POS)-an individual's tendency to view life with a positive outlook-using a genetically informed design. Study subjects were 1016 twins aged 22-75 from the Italian twin registry. We assessed POS by the recently developed P-scale. First, we used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate scale's measurement invariance by age and gender. Then, we applied biometric modelling to estimate genetic and environmental components of POS score. Overall, we found a satisfactory degree of measurement invariance by both age and gender. Results from these analyses further indicated an increasing mean level of POS across the lifespan. Additive genetic and unshared environmental factors explained respectively 58% and 42% of variance in POS score, with no significant gender differences; furthermore, the pattern of change of gene-environment architecture of POS over time was consistent with a greater plasticity of personality at older ages.

Assessing Measurement Invariance of the Children’s Depression Inventory in Chinese and Italian Primary School Student Samples

This study tested the measurement invariance of Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and compared its factorial variance/covariance and latent means among Chinese and Italian children. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis of the original five factors identified by Kovacs revealed that full measurement invariance did not hold. Further analysis showed that 4 of 21 factor loadings, 14 of 26 intercepts, and 12 of 26 item errors were noninvariant. Factor variance and covariance invariant tests revealed significant differences between Chinese and Italian samples. The latent factor mean comparison suggested no significant difference across the two groups. Nevertheless, the finding of partial metric and scalar invariance suggested that observed mean differences on the CDI items cannot be fully explained by the mean differences in the latent factor. These results suggest that researchers and practitioners exercise caution when gauging the size of the true national population differences in depressive symptoms among Italian and Chinese children when assessed via CDI. In addition to providing needed evidence on the use of the CDI in Italian and Chinese children specifically, the methods used in this research can serve more generally as an example for other cross-cultural assessment research to test structural equivalence and measurement invariance of scales and to determine why it is important to do so.