Second-order Latent Variables Research Articles

Family ties: examining family functioning and alcohol use among American Indian youth

PurposeThis study aims to examine a second-order latent variable of family functioning built from two established protective factors for American Indian (AI) youth, i.e. family cohesion and parental monitoring. This study then examines if family functioning is related to alcohol use frequency or age of initiation for AI youth. Additionally, this study examines if family functioning served as a moderator for the risk factor of peer alcohol use.Design/methodology/approachData came from the 2021 Our Youth, Our Future survey. Participants were 4,373 AI adolescents from Grades 6–12 across the contiguous USA. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the latent variable of family functioning. Structural paths and interaction terms between peer use and family functioning were added to the SEM to explore direct and moderating effects.FindingsFamily cohesion and parental monitoring were best represented by a second-order latent variable of family functioning, which was related to later initiation and lower alcohol use frequency.Practical implicationsThe findings regarding the initiation of alcohol use may be applicable to prevention programs, with family functioning serving as a protective factor for the initiation of alcohol use. Programs working toward alcohol prevention may be best served by focusing on family-based programs.Originality/valueThe latent variable of family functioning is appropriate for use in AI samples. Family functioning, which is an inherent resilience factor in AI communities, was shown to be protective against harmful alcohol use behaviors.

Temporal changes of compassion in accounting and business students in an English course: a longitudinal study in higher education

PurposeTo measure the dynamic features of compassion as an emotional and behavioral construct, the present research used a univariate latent growth modeling (LGM) approach within the structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. The aim was to trace the dynamic development of compassion longitudinally in accounting and business students during a three-credit English course at university.Design/methodology/approachThe suggested method ensures the measurement invariance over time, deals with the first order latent variable, traces its growth and takes into account the measurement errors. This longitudinal analytical method was used to explore the initial state and the growth of compassion in four points of time during a language course. The data were collected from 60 adult accounting and business students in four time phases using Sprecher and Fehr's Compassionate Love Scale and were analyzed in Mplus 8.4 with univariate LGM.FindingsThe model fit was accepted and the invariance of the latent factor was confirmed over time. The negative covariance between intercept and slope (second-order latent variables) suggested that lower initial scores in L2 learners' compassion show a faster increase in compassion over time as the mean of slope is larger than that of the intercept. L2 learners who started off at a higher level of compassion showed a slower change in compassion over time. This can be at least partly explained by the teacher's motivating role or learners' compassion but needs to be further explored in complementary qualitative phases for deeper insights.Originality/valueIn the present research, awareness was raised of the developmental nature of compassion as an emotional and behavioral construct essential to the accounting and business profession. The great strength of this research lies in the dynamic approach to the compassion construct and the LGM used to capture the temporal growth of compassion and how it evolved through the L2 course.

Quantitative Analyses of the Role of Relational Capital on Absorptive Capacity in Knowledge-intensive SME's

The research aimed to measure the relational capital influence (RC) on absorption capacity in knowledge-intensive companies. The direct relationship between the different components of relational capital and absorption capacity was analysed through a model of structural equations of partial least squares (PLS-SEM), tested in SmartPLS. This method was chosen for the following reasons: the use of SEM-PLS allows testing causal paths between second-order latent variables, and in addition to offering extensive and flexible causal modelling resources, the technique is recommended for more complex models, with constructs composed of a greater number of variables and with a smaller number of data, as observed in this research. The method is also justified because this research is based on a composite measurement model with a reflective design approach, which means there are correlations between indicators and dimensions. The SmartPLS 3.0 Software was used to carry out the global model evaluation and measurement and structural model evaluation steps. These analyses were conducted in a sample of 174 small and medium-sized technology enterprises (SMEs) that are part of different innovation networks in Brazil. This study highlights that the development of relational capital is supported by collaborative relations of cooperation, trust, communication, and resources invested by enterprises established in different networks. The proposed statistical model allowed proving the relationship factors that help strengthen the relations between the network actors that facilitate the transfer of knowledge. This relationship still needs to be investigated, especially for small and medium-sized knowledge-intensive companies in emerging countries like Brazil. The research conclusion supported the research hypothesis and proved that relational capital is an independent variable that directly and positively influences the absorption capacity process. This study, quantitatively combining the external perspective of relational capital and the internal organisational dimension of absorption capacity, provides valuable information about using quantitative methodologies to explore intangible organisational resources to promote innovation.

Understanding the adoption of electric motorcycles among road users in Vietnam

Motorcycles with internal combustion engines using fossil fuels account for the majority of traffic flow in major Asian cities. The increase in the number of conventional motorcycles using a gas engine is one of the main causes leading to air and noise pollution in comparison with other lower-emitting transport modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and public transport). Thus, many Asian countries have promoted the adoption of electric motorcycles to significantly reduce air pollution and non-renewable energy consumption as a solution for motorcycles using internal combustion engines. However, the application of electric motorcycles still faces many limitations and challenges. This study explores factors influencing the adoption of electric motorcycles in Vietnam based on the extention of TAM model. Based on 751 valid responses in Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang cities, Vietnam, a structural equation model (SEM) with first-order and second-order latent variables is proposed to analyse the collected data. The results indicate that perceived of usefulness is the most significant positive effect on the adoption of electric motorcycles. In contrast, perceived risk is found to be a barrier of the adoption intention. In addition, the results of multigroup analysis show that age moderates the correlation between prceived easy to use and the adoption intention. Similarly, the correlation between perceived risk and the adoption of electric motorcycles is influenced by the difference in monthly income. Several policies and governance implications are also discussed in this study.

Development and validation of experienced work-integrated learning instrument (E-WIL) using a sample of newly graduated registered nurses – A confirmatory factor analysis

IntroductionResearch indicates that newly graduated registered nurses struggle to develop practical skills and clinical understanding and to adapt to their professional role. To ensure quality of care and support new nurses, it is vital that this learning is elucidated and evaluated.AimThe aim was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument assessing work-integrated learning for newly graduated registered nurses, the Experienced Work-Integrated Learning (E-WIL) instrument. MethodThe study utilized the methodology of a survey and a cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of newly graduated registered nurses (n = 221) working at hospitals in western Sweden. The E-WIL instrument was validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). ResultsThe majority of the study participants were female, the average age was 28 years, and participants had an average of five months' experience in the profession. The results confirmed the construct validity of the global latent variable E-WIL, “Transforming previous notions and new contextual knowledge into practical meaning,” including six dimensions representing work-integrated learning. The factor loadings between the final 29 indicators and the six factors ranged from 0.30 to 0.89, and between the latent factor and the six factors from 0.64 to 0.79. The indices of fit indicated satisfactory goodness-of-fit and good reliability in five dimensions with values ranging from α = 0.70 to 0.81, except for one dimension showing a slightly lower reliability, α = 0.63, due to the low item number. Confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed two second-order latent variables, “Personal mastering of professional roles” with 18 indicators, and “Adapting to organisational requirements” with 11 indicators. Both showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit, and factor loading between indicators and the latent variables ranged from 0.44 to 0.90 and from 0.37 to 0.81, respectively. ConclusionThe validity of the E-WIL instrument was confirmed. All three latent variables could be measured in their entirety, and all dimensions could be used separately for the assessment of work-integrated learning. The E-WIL instrument could be useful for healthcare organisations when the goal is to assess aspects of newly graduated registered nurses' learning and professional development.

Factors influencing Consumer’s Driving Behavior of Most Preferred Luxury Car Brand in Bangkok Thailand

The luxury car market in Thailand is expected to keep expanding with double-digit growth this year (2022), despite the impact of lockdown measures implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19. Demand for cars and the purchasing power of prospective buyers remain strong in these segments, making Thailand a target market for upper-end car manufacturers. Revenue in the Luxury Cars market segment is projected to reach US$201m in 2022. The purpose of this research is to study factors influencing consumer’s driving behavior of his/her most preferred luxury car brand in Bangkok, Thailand. These factors include six independent first-order variables: Social Status (SS), Social Pressure (SP), Brand Personality (BP), Brand Image (BI), Brand Trust (BT), and Product (PD); three second-order latent variables: Product (PD), Brand (BRN) and Social (SOC) and one dependent variable: Car Usage Behavior (CU). 400 sample were collected using electronic questionnaire through social media. We used second-order Structural Equation Models (SEM) for data analysis. The result shows For data analysis, we employed second-order Structural Equation Models (SEM). The result shows that the RMSEA for this model is.049 (.05), which strongly implies a "near fit," and the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) value is.968 (>. 90), indicating that the model fits well according to the descriptive measures of fit. CFI and TLI, which are incremental fit indices that compare the fit of our hypothesized model to that of a baseline model (i.e., the model with the worst fit), both have values more than.90 (CFI =.979, TLI =.900), indicating an acceptable fit. More importantly the second-order latent factors included in the model i.e. Product (PD) and Social (SOC) seem to have significant effects on influencing consumer’s driving behavior of his/her most preferred luxury car brand in Bangkok, Thailand due to their p-values are all both less than .05.

비동거 부모-자녀가구 간 결속 유형 분석: 일반화 구조방정식 모형(GSEM) 활용

This study aims to identify the types of intergenerational solidarity between parents and adult children and examine the significant factors of solidarity types. To this end, this study employs data from the 7th (2018) of Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging with 2,028 parents living apart from their children. The provision and reception of functional solidarity between parents and adult children are set as the first-order latent variables, associational solidarity and functional solidarity as the second-order latent variables, and intergenerational solidarity as the third-order latent variable. Four types are derived using a Generalized Structural Equations Model (GSEM): ‘Disconnected Type’ with low associational and functional solidarity, ‘Associational Solidarity Type’ with only minimal high-level associational solidarity, ‘Loose Solidarity Type’ with a medium level of associational and functional solidarity, and ‘Strong Solidarity Type’ with both high level of associational and functional solidarity. As a result of analyzing the influence factors focusing on the ‘Strong Solidarity Type’ - the highest intergenerational solidarity – the geographical proximity between parents and children, the income of parent households, and the residential areas are found to be important determinants. From these results, policy implications are presented, and suggestions are put forth for follow-up research.

How learner engagement impacts non-formal online learning outcomes through value co-creation: an empirical analysis

From the perspective of service science and its core concept of value co-creation, promoting learner engagement is critical for learning outcomes in a non-formal online learning environment. To promote online learning performance, we study how multidimensional learner engagement affects both instrumental and experiential learning outcomes. By incorporating the service-dominant logic perspective into the research model, we designed an online survey to investigate the impact of platform value co-creation on learners’ engagement outcomes. By employing a partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the results show that behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, and emotional engagement have a significant impact on learning outcomes through the mediating effect of platform value, a second-order hierarchical latent variable. This study has multiple theoretical contributions and practical implications. First, we found new evidence that pursuing good learning outcomes in a non-formal online learning setting is not just a technological architecture or pedagogic guidelines, but also a “win–win” value co-creation process. Second, our results confirm the posited direct and indirect effects, thus evidencing functional value, emotional value, social value, and personalized value as components of the platform value construct, and it as a driver and mediator for better online learning outcomes. Third, our results underscore the importance of platform value in studying the impact of learner engagement on learning outcomes and provide a sharper theoretical lens to evaluate online learning platform value from the perspective of online learners.

Can Developmental Trauma disorder be distinguished from posttraumatic stress disorder? A confirmatory factor Analytic Test of Four Structural Models.

Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) is a proposed child psychopathology diagnosis with emotion/somatic, attention/behavioral, and self/relational dysregulation symptoms extending beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) tested four structural models with structured interview data for trauma history, PTSD, and DTD with 507 children receiving mental health or pediatric care ( N = 162, 32% diagnosed with DTD; N = 176; 35% with PTSD; N = 169, 33% with neither). A unidimensional model with a single latent variable had unacceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.094; CFI = 0.844). Compared to a model with PTSD and DTD as correlated first-order latent variables, a multidimensional model with correlated latent variables corresponding to the PTSD and DTD symptom clusters (Dc 2 =105.62, Ddf = 14, p < .001) and a hierarchical variant with correlated second order DTD and PTSD latent variables (Dc 2 =48.10, Ddf = 6, p < .001) fit the data better. The non-hierarchical multidimensional model was superior to the hierarchical variant (Dc 2 =66.05, Ddf = 8, p < .001). Stronger latent variable inter-correlations within PTSD and DTD domains than across domains, suggested that DTD and PTSD are distinguishable despite their inter-correlation. Exposure to family violence was the primary correlate of both the DTD and PTSD second-order latent variables. Results indicate that children's trauma-related symptoms involve six inter-correlated domains extend beyond PTSD's symptoms (i.e., re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal) to include DTD symptoms of emotional, cognitive-behavioral, and self-relational dysregulation. The inter-relationship of the DTD and PTSD latent variables suggest that DTD may constitute a component within a complex PTSD diagnosis paralleling the new adult CPTSD diagnosis.

Boredom in practical English language classes: a longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis-curve of factors model

Abstract The study aimed to examine temporal change of boredom in English classes (BPELC) and test the longitudinal validity of the boredom in practical English classes-revised (BPELC-R) scale via longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis-curve of factors model (LCFA-CFM) approach. This approach ensures measurement invariance of BPELC over time, deals with its second-order latent variables, and considers the assessment of inter-individual differences while experiencing the emotion. Data were collected from 412 EFL adult learners on four measurements using BPELC-R and were analyzed by Mplus with LCFA-CFM. The model fit was accepted, which indicates invariance of BPELC-R as well as the factor structure of the instrument including the factor loadings of its subscales over time. Without the consideration of LCFA of BPELC-R, as addressed in this study, any observed change of the construct in the course of language learning could be misinterpreted. Also, though the rate of change in boredom differed across individual L2 learners, they all experienced a decreasing trend over time. Furthermore, the negative association between the intercept and slope suggested that learners with higher initial levels of boredom experienced a steeper decrease over time. The decreasing pattern of boredom is discussed in light of the main theories of this construct.

The Influence of Self-Control on Social Learning regarding Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration has been studied empirically and theoretically in a number of ways. Common practice for this research is to simply include both self-control and social learning variables in the same model in a multi-theoretical framework without determining the influence of self-control on social learning. In order to address this gap in the literature, the main goal of the present research is to determine the mediation effect of social learning theory (SLT) on the relationship between self-control and IPV perpetration. This study used the International Dating Violence Study (IDVS) data (n= 4,162) and employed structural equation modeling to explore social learning as a second-order latent variable. Results indicated that social learning as a second-order factor mediated the relationship between self-control and severe IPV perpetration, but did not mediate the relationship between self-control and less severe IPV perpetration. Different methodological approaches when testing SLT can affect the theoretical results, particularly acts of IPV.

L2 GRIT

AbstractGiven the longitudinal nature of L2 grit, the use of conventional research methodologies with cross-sectional data to examine the validity of L2 grit scale seems inadequate. The present research was an attempt to extend the domain-specific phase of research on L2 grit, with the pursuit of long-term goals at its core, into a dynamic one. Thus, we adopted a longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis-curve of factors model (LCFA-CFM) approach to trace changes in L2 learners’ grit at different points of time in an EFL course. LCFA-CFM ensures measurement invariance over time, deals with second-order latent variables, takes into account measurement errors, and is capable of assessing interindividual differences. With this in mind, we, first, employed LCFA to test the factor invariance of L2 grit based on a bifactor CFA model over time and, second, used CFM to measure change of L2 grit during an L2 course. To do so, we collected data from 437 adult EFL learners in Iran in four time phases using the L2 grit scale and analyzed them using Mplus 7.4. The model fit was accepted and invariance of the latent factor of L2 grit was confirmed over time. Also, the negative covariance between initial level of L2 grit and its rate of change over time (second-order latent variables) suggested a steeper increase in the construct over time for learners with lower initial scores of the construct. That is, L2 learners who started at a higher level of L2 grit experienced less change in L2 grit over time. The LCFA-CFM ensured that the factor structure of L2 grit is invariant over time and provided insights into how L2 grit changes over an L2 course.

Factors Influencing Chinese Tourist to Select Bangkok, Thailand as A Travel Destination

This study aims to investigate factors influencing the Bangkok-focused tourist destination selection in China. In addition, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, Japan were selected for comparison by assessing four destination attributes including culture, transportation, architecture, and food. In this study, we used a sample of 400 Chinese tourists who have traveled to Bangkok. The main research issue is to reveal the first- and second-order potential factors generating significant influences on Chinese tourists&amp;rsquo; choice of Bangkok as their destination. The aim of this study is to explore the structural relationships among the mentioned first-order and second-order latent variables, and their impact on the choice of tourist destinations in China. Due to the competitive nature of Chinese tourist destinations, we believe that there might be some potential factors that significantly affected their choice decision, therefore we applied the second-order Structural Equation Models (SEM) to capture these potentially unobservable factors. The result showed that our proposed model appeared to fit well: the RMSEA was 0.03 (&amp;lt;0.06) and values of GFI, AGFI, NFI, TLI, and CFI were greater than 0.9 (most of them were even larger than 0.95). More importantly, Food (F), Emotional Factor (EF) representing food and cultural indulgence, and Physical Factor (PF) representing Architecture and Transportation facility of the destination showed significant impacts on tourist destination choice as their p-values were less than 0.05. Hence, Thai food and anything that could maximize the emotional and functional values of Chinese tourists would make travel choices to become their travel destination. At the same time, it was aimed to provide some valuable suggestions for tourist cities currently under threat from COVID-19, to recover or better in the coming years, providing some evidence for future researchers to further explore this field.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Impulsividad (UPPS-P) en una muestra de adultos argentinos

This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) in its short version in a sample of Argentinean adults. Its factor structure and internal consistency were explored, as well as its convergent validity with experiential and rational thinking styles, along with psychopathy. At the same time, the relationship of impulsivity with narcissism and Machiavellianism was explored, controlling the scores in psychopathy. An intentional sample of Argentinean adults (N = 517) between 18 and 60 years old (54 % female, mean age 27) was selected. Participants responded on-line to this scale, a sociodemographic inventory, as well as to the Rational Experiential Inventory and the Dark Personality Scale. The results obtained were processed with the programs SPSS 23, Factor 8.10, and AMOS 16.0. The sample was randomly divided into two groups of n = 217 and n = 300. An exploratory factorial analysis was first performed on the first group, as a calibration study. After that, a confirmatory analysis was performed on the second group, as a replication study, since there are no previous studies on this subject in Argentina. A parallel analysis was first carried out with the Factor 8.10 program. A number of replications = 100 and percentile representation of simulations = .95 were used. Regarding the exploratory factor analysis, The Unweighted Least Squares method was used along with a Promin rotation. The final solution showed a structure of four factors: urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance, explaining 56 % of the variance. Each of these factors explained 16 %, 24 %, 10 %, and 6 % of the variance, respectively. The urgency factor included both the positive and negative urgency of the UPPS-P scale. The factor structure revealed is similar to the UPPS, a scale of impulsivity prior to the UPPS-P, made up of four factors. All items on the short scale were retained. Two items loaded better on a different factor. Cronbach's Alphas were adequate, ensuring internal consistency. Cronbach's α of the full scale was .79. Internal consistency was analyzed, resulting in Cronbach's α values of .76 for Emergency; .75 for Sensation Search; .69 for Lack of Premeditation, and .74 for Lack of Perseverance. The resulting Cronbach α values are similar to those of the Spanish version, which presented internal consistencies between .61 and .79. Subsequently, based on the factor structure found, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out on the second group sample. A relatively good fit was found for the model, with CFI and TLI values above .90 and the SRMR and RMSEA below .05. The authors' original model, which includes five factors, was also tested. The fit was less satisfactory compared to the previous model, because of the CFI, TLI, SRMR, and RMSEA indicators, and the difference in ∆ from the models, which was statistically significant at the p &lt; .001 level. Finally, a second-order model was tested with all four dimensions as first-order latent variables and impulsivity as second-order latent variables. The fit was relatively satisfactory, with CFI and TLI above .90 and SRMR and RMSEA below .05. Thus, the present adjustment revealed a second-order factor, as did the English short version of the UPPS-P (Cyders et al., 2014). The scale revealed convergent validity with the scores of psychopathy and the Rational Experiential Inventory. Psychopathy resulted positively related to impulsivity. In turn, the correlations between the dimensions of impulsivity and those of the Rational Experiential Inventory were negative with the rational thinking style -excluding sensation seeking- and positive with the significant ones of the experiential style. Significant partial correlations were observed between machiavellianism and narcissism and different dimensions of impulsivity, controlling psychopathy scores. It is demonstrated that the impulsivity scale in its short version maintains adequate psychometric properties in a sample of Argentinean adults.

Dispositional individual differences in cognitive effort investment: establishing the core construct

BackgroundIndividuals tend to avoid effortful tasks, regardless of whether they are physical or mental in nature. Recent experimental evidence is suggestive of individual differences in the dispositional willingness to invest cognitive effort in goal-directed behavior. The traits need for cognition (NFC) and self-control are related to behavioral measures of cognitive effort discounting and demand avoidance, respectively. Given that these traits are only moderately related, the question arises whether they reflect a common core factor underlying cognitive effort investment. If so, the common core of both traits might be related to behavioral measures of effort discounting in a more systematic fashion. To address this question, we aimed at specifying a core construct of cognitive effort investment that reflects dispositional differences in the willingness and tendency to exert effortful control.MethodsWe conducted two studies (N = 613 and N = 244) with questionnaires related to cognitive motivation and effort investment including assessment of NFC, intellect, self-control and effortful control. We first calculated Pearson correlations followed by two mediation models regarding intellect and its separate aspects, seek and conquer, as mediators. Next, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis of a hierarchical model of cognitive effort investment as second-order latent variable. First-order latent variables were cognitive motivation reflecting NFC and intellect, and effortful self-control reflecting self-control and effortful control. Finally, we calculated Pearson correlations between factor scores of the latent variables and general self-efficacy as well as traits of the Five Factor Model of Personality for validation purposes.ResultsOur findings support the hypothesized correlations between the assessed traits, where the relationship of NFC and self-control is specifically mediated via goal-directedness. We established and replicated a hierarchical factor model of cognitive motivation and effortful self-control that explains the shared variance of the first-order factors by a second-order factor of cognitive effort investment.ConclusionsTaken together, our results integrate disparate literatures on cognitive motivation and self-control and provide a basis for further experimental research on the role of dispositional individual differences in goal-directed behavior and cost–benefit-models.

Apoyos agrícolas y satisfacción del agricultor: una aplicación de variable latente en Turquía

Agricultural supports are given with different quantities and purposes around the world, such as exemption from tax, granting subsidies or agricultural insurances, among others. These supports have a great impact but its benefits to farmers are not generally known. The influence of these supports on farmers is pointed out by evaluating the farmers’ satisfaction. In this sense, it was obtained a data from 426 producers in order to analyze the agricultural supports regarding farmer´s satisfaction. The first and second-order latent variables are analyzed by applying the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to the survey data obtained for the evaluation of farmers’ satisfaction. The factor loadings and fit index were sufficient and the structure validity and reliability of the model were ensured. The most effective variables influencing the farmers’ satisfaction related to the agricultural supports are the supports maintaining the financial structure and livestock support. Results indicate that farmers need to be supported more in terms of input use and crop production.

A Model-Based Approach to Simultaneous Clustering and Dimensional Reduction of Ordinal Data.

The literature on clustering for continuous data is rich and wide; differently, that one developed for categorical data is still limited. In some cases, the clustering problem is made more difficult by the presence of noise variables/dimensions that do not contain information about the clustering structure and could mask it. The aim of this paper is to propose a model for simultaneous clustering and dimensionality reduction of ordered categorical data able to detect the discriminative dimensions discarding the noise ones. Following the underlying response variable approach, the observed variables are considered as a discretization of underlying first-order latent continuous variables distributed as a Gaussian mixture. To recognize discriminative and noise dimensions, these variables are considered to be linear combinations of two independent sets of second-order latent variables where only one contains the information about the cluster structure while the other one contains noise dimensions. The model specification involves multidimensional integrals that make the maximum likelihood estimation cumbersome and in some cases infeasible. To overcome this issue, the parameter estimation is carried out through an EM-like algorithm maximizing a composite log-likelihood based on low-dimensional margins. Examples of application of the proposal on real and simulated data are performed to show the effectiveness of the proposal.

Country reputation management: developing a scale for measuring the reputation of four African countries in the United States

This study extends the development of country reputation measurement to other cultural contexts, specifically among sub-Saharan African countries that have shown the desire to improve their reputation in the United States and other Western nations. Although effective management of a country’s reputation lies in its ability to measure the perceptions of its target publics, there is currently no established scale that can be relied upon for such measurement of sub-Saharan African countries. In this study, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using second-order latent variables, and based on the goodness-of-fit indices, it was established that all four models for measuring the reputation of four countries—Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria—met the data fit criteria, thus validating the instrument. Validation of this scale provides empirical evidence that contributes to public diplomacy and country reputation management. Because the CFA process used in this study allows for replication of measurements across independent samples, practitioners interested in measuring the reputation of sub-Saharan African countries can use this scale to evaluate the reputation of these countries across samples of interest.

Development and Initial Validation of the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale: A Gender Invariant Measure

BackgroundPast research on cognitive models of sexual functioning has focused on sexual beliefs as an important vulnerability factor for sexual dysfunction. However, the existing measurements of sexual beliefs are lengthy and entangle beliefs about sexual functioning with moral beliefs and ideas about sexuality. Furthermore, they have female and male versions, which does not allow for sex comparisons or dyadic research with heterosexual couples. AimTo describe the development and validation of the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale (BASEF), which assesses beliefs about sexual functioning in men and women. MethodsThis study included two cross-sectional online studies with adults in heterosexual dyadic committed and exclusive relationships. In study 1 (sample A, n = 274, mean age = 32.27 years; sample B, n = 114, mean age = 30.6 years), the factorial validity of the BASEF was analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis with an initial poll of 51 items, followed by a test of its structure in a confirmatory factor analysis. In study 2 (n = 426, mean age = 31.5 years), the factorial equivalence of the BASEF was tested across sexes and its association with total scores of sexual functioning was analyzed. OutcomeThe main outcome was a new instrument for measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning. ResultsIn study 1, 15 items indicating 5 factors were retained. The structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, establishing its factorial validity with the five factors aggregated in a second-order latent variable. In study 2, the equivalence of the BASEF was demonstrated across sexes and its association with theoretically related measurements, the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index, was supported. Clinical ImplicationsThis new measurement could be useful to evaluate clients and design interventions that take into account similarity and discrepancy in sexual beliefs in couples, such as those interventions framed in cognitive and systemic clinical models. Strengths and LimitationsThis study presents a new measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning suited to address an equivalent set of beliefs for men and women. In future studies, the scale will be useful to compare the unique role of these same beliefs in the sexual outcomes of men and women. One major limitation is the lack of examination of the BASEF criterion validity with a clinical sample. ConclusionsResults are indicative of a brief, valid, and reliable sex-invariant measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning that enables testing of cognitive models of sexual functioning in men and women in clinical and research settings.Pascoal PM, Alvarez M-J, Pereira CR, Nobre P. Development and Initial Validation of the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale: A Gender Invariant Measure. J Sex Med 2017;14:613–623.

Instruments for Measuring the Influence of Visual Persuasion: Validity and Reliability Tests

In User Experience (UX) research, the instruments are often measured by means of rating scales such as Likert scale and semantic differential scale. The validity of the findings and conclusions rely heavily on the instruments used in the questionnaires. This paper provides the assessment of the validity and reliability of a new set of measures to evaluate the influence of visual persuasion on web users. The instruments will be used to assess web users' perceptions of credibility, engagement, informativeness, satisfaction, social influences, usability, and visual aesthetic. Firstly, 85 items are pilot tested by expert and novice users in an offline and online settings. Secondly, the exploratory factor analysis is carried out in which 44 items representing 12 latent variables are reduced to 39 items with some of the latent variables are combined into one. The results show: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) of 0.901, significant Bartlett’s test, communalities range between 0.470 - 0.829, nine factors (also known as the latent variables) emerged with eigenvalues greater than 1, explaining more than 60% of the total variance, factor loadings of 0.466 and above, factors correlations of less than 0.7, and Cronbach’s alphas are well above the limit of 0.70. Finally, a confirmatory factor analysis is carried out on the first-order and second-order latent variables using the PLS-SEM. The instruments exceed the minimum requirement of the assessments for the convergent validity, discriminant validity, reliability and collinearity. The findings suggest that the proposed 39 items are valid and reliable for measuring the persuasiveness of visual persuasion.