Subscale Structure Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of the Belief Acceptance Scale

The Belief Acceptance Scale (BAS) is a nine question scale that was developed to evaluate how open and accepting an individual is to other people’s beliefs across interdependent life domains. The purposes of this article are to demonstrate the internal consistency of the BAS and examine the instrument’s substructure and to correlate the BAS with validated measures of religiosity and demographic data gathered from a web-based Survey of Spiritual Experiences. The BAS focuses on cultural beliefs instead of religious motivations and was designed to be administered to religious and non-religious individuals. Three domains of belief acceptance were tested: the internal or subjective openness to other beliefs (Psychological Domain), willingness to participate in other ideologies and rituals (Reciprocal Domain), and the willingness to date or marry outside one’s belief system or cultural background (Social Domain). Responses from 350 individuals were correlated and analysed to estimate the scale’s internal consistency and subscale structure. Analyses support the validity of the BAS scores in that they demonstrate expected correlations with demographic data and standardised measures of religiosity. The results show that the BAS is an internally consistent scale with a coherent substructure that adequately measures openness to other beliefs, ideologies and belief systems.

Assessing attachment in adolescence: A psychometric study of the Child Attachment Interview.

Research has established the quality of attachment as an important correlate and predictor of psychological well-being. Adolescence represents an important transitional period and is associated with considerable changes in psychosocial functioning and centrally in attachment relationships. However, measures of attachment are rarely examined for their psychometric properties in adolescence. In an attempt to address this limitation, the current study reports on the use of the Child Attachment Interview (CAI) in adolescents. Our broad aim was to explore the psychometric properties of the CAI classifications and subscales among adolescents with psychiatric disorder in the United States by (a) evaluating interrater reliability of the CAI, (b) examining the factor structure of the CAI subscales in adolescents, (c) examining relations between CAI classifications and subscales, (d) evaluating concurrent validity by assessing relations between the CAI and established questionnaire-based measures of attachment routinely used in adolescent samples, and (e) evaluating convergent validity by exploring relations between the CAI and parent- and self-reported psychopathology and peer relations. One hundred ninety-four inpatient adolescents were recruited. Analyses revealed adequate interrater agreement and revealed 3 factors that generally mirror those associated with the Adult Attachment Interview. Concurrent and convergent evidence to support the use of CAI attachment classifications and subscale scores in adolescents was provided.

Assessing construct of DIBELS: Measurement invariance of DIBELS subscales, from kindergarten to the first grade

A challenge using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) in studying reading growth is that reading skills children exhibit change by age. In order to study growth using changing subscales, it is necessary to examine measurement invariance and measurement structure underlying the different subscales. The purpose of this paper is to examine the measurement structure of the DIBELS subscales, particular measurement invariance. The results indicate that the DIBELS subscales do not seem to have metric invariance but they do share a common factor over time, suggesting that the same construct of reading skills were measured but they manifested in the different fashion over time.

A structural assessment of the 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children and its relations to anxiety symptoms.

Theoretical models of anxiety have been developed in adult populations. The applicability of these models in child samples has been assessed using downward extensions of the questionnaires developed to assess the proposed theoretical mechanisms. This poses a challenge, as children are still in the process of developing the skills that are being assessed. Psychometrically sound assessment tools are therefore needed for this developing population, in order to ensure the early detection of mechanisms leading to anxiety disorders in children. This study examined if metacognitions, which play a key role in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, can also be reliably assessed in childhood. The study investigated the psychometric properties of the 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ-C₃₀; Gerlach, Adam, Marschke, & Melfsen, 2008) in a national sample of 974 children and adolescents (538 girls) ages 9-17 years. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 5-factor subscale structure and a 2nd-order total scale factor, which corresponds with previous versions of the scale. MCQ-C₃₀ expectedly correlated significantly with anxiety symptoms and worry. Structural equation modeling revealed that both obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms regressed significantly onto the MCQ-C₃₀. We fitted separate models for children and adolescents, and no noticeable differences are suggested between the models. Female gender was, expectedly, associated with increased levels of general metacognitions. This gender effect was mediated by level of anxiety. Overall, the MCQ-C₃₀ exhibited acceptable psychometric properties in our community sample of children ages 9-17 years. Future studies should investigate the psychometric properties of the instrument in clinical samples and samples of younger children.

Gradient estimation using configurations of two or three spacecraft

Abstract. The forthcoming three-satellite mission Swarm will allow us to investigate plasma processes and phenomena in the upper ionosphere from an in-situ multi-spacecraft perspective. Since with less than four points in space the spatiotemporal ambiguity cannot be resolved fully, analysis tools for estimating spatial gradients, wave vectors, or boundary parameters need to utilise additional information such as geometrical or dynamical constraints. This report deals with gradient estimation where the planar component is constructed using instantaneous three-point observations or, for quasi-static structures, by means of measurements along the orbits of two close spacecraft. A new least squares (LS) gradient estimator for the latter case is compared with existing finite difference (FD) schemes and also with a three-point LS technique. All available techniques are presented in a common framework to facilitate error analyses and consistency checks, and to show how arbitrary combinations of planar gradient estimators and constraints can be formed. The accuracy of LS and FD planar gradient estimators is assessed in terms of prescribed and adjustable discretization parameters to optimise their performance along the satellite orbits. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of imperfect constraint equations for error propagation, and address the effects of sub-scale structures. The two-spacecraft LS scheme is demonstrated using Cluster FGM measurements at a planar and essentially force-free plasma boundary in the solar wind where all three different types of constraints to construct out-of-plane derivatives can be applied.

Influence of Heating Conditions on the Oxidation Behavior of Fe-36Ni Invar Alloy

AbstractThe oxidation of Fe-36Ni invar alloy at 1273–1473 K in 15%CO2-(0, 3, 5, 6)%O2-N2 atmosphere and the effect of the grain structure on the compressed cracks were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a microcomputer control universal material testing machine. The results showed that the oxygen content and the oxidation temperature had an obvious influence on the morphology of the external scales, which changed into only two-layer structures from three stratified structures when the oxygen content was 0% or the oxidation temperature was below or equal 1423 K. However, the subscales still consisted of a typical structure of the intergranular subscale and the intragranular subscale with different oxygen contents or oxidation temperatures. The growth rate of the scales did not depend on the partial pressure of oxygen when oxygen existed. The oxidation temperature had an obvious influence on the growth rate of the scales, the growth rate of the scales was slower below or equal 1423 K and faster over 1423 K. A linear relationship existed between the thickness of the scales and the square root of oxidation time, moreover, the estimated activation energy for the growth of the external scale, the intragranular scale and the intergranular scale were 165, 159 and 131 kJ/mol, respectively. The higher apparent activation energy corresponded to the thinner scale at each oxidation temperature. In addition, the compressed cracks were hard to propagate and grow in the specimen with equiaxed grain structures, which would result in the narrower and shallower compressed cracks and the better surface quality during the compressed process after oxidation.

Characterization of chaotic multiscale features on the time series of melt index in industrial propylene polymerization system

The chaos characteristics of melt index have been first explored, and the Hilbert–Huang transform method and time delay embedding method are applied to multiscale dynamic analysis on the time series of the melt index (MI) in the propylene polymerization industry. The research results show that the embedding delay is 2, the embedding dimension is 5, the correlation dimension D2 is 1.57, and the maximum Lyapunov exponent is 0.143 for the melt index series, which provide clear evidence of chaotic multiscale features in the propylene polymerization process. Three intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are decomposed from the melt index time series; the presence of non-integer fractal correlation dimension and positive finite maximum Lyapunov exponent are found in some IMF components. The PP melt index series are divided into two chaotic signals, a determined signal and a random signal respectively, and its complexity is therefore reduced. Furthermore, the coupling of subscale structures of the propylene polymerization is explored with the dimension of interaction dynamics and a robust algorithm for detecting interdependence. It is found that IMF(2) is the main driver in the coupling system of IMF(1)and IMF(2). All these provide a guideline for studying propylene polymerization process with chaotic multiscale theory and may offer more candidate tools to model and control propylene polymerization system in the future.

Scaling Properties of the Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome After Stroke in a Study Population Unselected by Age

ObjectiveTo investigate the scaling properties of the Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO) after stroke in survivors to hospital discharge, unselected by age. DesignFactor, Mokken, and Rasch analyses of the SIPSO using data from a prospective observational cohort study. SettingThree acute care hospitals. ParticipantsConsecutive admissions (N=312) with acute stroke, unselected by age. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPatient- or proxy-reported SIPSO, collected by postal survey 6 months after stroke. ResultsComplete SIPSO questionnaires were returned by 166 of 268 survivors (median age, 72y; interquartile range, 66-81y). Factor and Mokken analyses supported both 1- and 2-factor solutions. Fit to the Rasch model for the 10-item scale was poor (χ2 test for item-trait interaction, χ2=69.6; P<.001). Differential item functioning by sex and age was demonstrated for the physical subscore and was dealt with through the creation of 2 super items, resulting in a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2=2.35; P=.67), ordered thresholds, good targeting to the latent trait, and reasonable separation reliability (Person-Separation Index, 0.8). For the social subscore, no differential item functioning was demonstrated by age or sex. Local dependence was dealt with through the creation of 2 super items. Thereafter, fit to the Rasch model (χ2=5.21; P=.27) and targeting to the latent trait were good, and thresholds ordered. Separation reliability was poor (Person-Separation Index, .67). ConclusionsThe 10-item SIPSO is a valid ordinal scale in a population including older stroke survivors. A physical and social subscale structure is also supported. Subscales can be manipulated to fit the Rasch model, and a conversion table for conversion to an interval scale is provided. The social subscore has poor separation reliability, limiting its use in older stroke survivors.

Exploring psychometric properties of the interdisciplinary education perception scale in health graduate students

Designed as a measure of perceptions of collaboration, the original psychometric testing of the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) indicated a four-factor solution to this measure, although subsequent research has suggested a three-factor solution may have better fit indices. This study aimed to better understand psychometric properties of the IEPS in a new population, health graduate students in the United States, to determine which sub-scale structure may be a better fit. Additionally this research explores the IEPS through a targeted literature review and content analysis in combination with factor analysis to better understand what constructs are able to be assessed by this measure. Results showed that the three-factor model was the best fitting model for the IEPS, suggesting this structure should be used when looking at graduate-level health students. Results also suggested that the IEPS may be able to be as a measure of perceived professional prestige, for which there is currently no existing measure. The dimension of professional prestige should be explored in further research to create a more robust understanding of its role in collaboration between professions.

Validating and Improving the Reliability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Using a Multidimensional Rasch Model

The reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) has not been examined while taking into account the correlation between subscales. The reliability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales is modest, thus limiting their utility in both clinical and research settings. The purpose of this study was to validate the factor structure of multiple-item subscales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and to improve their reliability by means of an item response analysis by using the multidimensional partial credit model. A total of 2295 patients with complete data were used for the analysis. One- and nine-dimensional partial credit models were used to fit the data to validate the construct validity of the multiple-item subscales of the QLQ-C30. The model comparison showed that the nine-dimensional factor structure of multiple-item subscales was satisfactory. The multidimensional partial credit model fit data of the multiple-item subscales of the QLQ-C30 reasonably well. The estimated test reliabilities of each domain obtained from the multidimensional approach were higher than those obtained from the unidimensional approach. The constructs represented by the multiple-item subscales of the QLQ-C30 were validated. The improved reliability of the multiple-item subscales of the QLQ-C30 under the multidimensional approach can facilitate their applications in clinical and research settings.

Academic Performance Antecedent Scale: Validation with Native and Recent Immigrant Children

This study aims to assess the measurement invariance of the three subscales of the newly developed Academic Performance Antecedent Scale (APAS)--School Factors, Mother's Parenting Style, and Individual Factors--across native and new immigrant children in Taiwan. The study sample comprised 527 Grade 4 students (M age = 10.4 yr., SD = 0.6), 263 boys and 264 girls. The three groups were urban and rural children of Taiwanese natives (n = 343, 65.1%), and 184 children with non-Taiwanese mothers (34.9%). The four-factor structure of the School Factors Subscale, the three-factor structure of the Mother's Parenting Style Subscale, and the five-factor structure of the Individual Factors Subscale all showed at least acceptable fit for the groups. In addition, metric invariance was confirmed for the School Factors and Individual Factors Subscales. Metric invariance was partially obtained for the Mother's Parenting Style Subscale. The findings provide validity evidences for cross-cultural generalizability of the APAS.

Construct Measurement Quality Improves Predictive Accuracy in Violence Risk Assessment: an Illustration Using the Personality Assessment Inventory

Much of the risk assessment literature has focused on the predictive validity of risk assessment tools. However, these tools often comprise a list of risk factors that are themselves complex constructs, and focusing on the quality of measurement of individual risk factors may improve the predictive validity of the tools. The present study illustrates this concern using the Antisocial Features and Aggression scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 1991). In a sample of 1,545 prison inmates and offenders undergoing treatment for substance abuse (85% male), we evaluated (a) the factorial validity of the ANT and AGG scales, (b) the utility of original ANT and AGG scales and newly derived ANT and AGG scales for predicting antisocial outcomes (recidivism and institutional infractions), and (c) whether items with a stronger relationship to the underlying constructs (higher factor loadings) were in turn more strongly related to antisocial outcomes. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) indicated that ANT and AGG items were not structured optimally in these data in terms of correspondence to the subscale structure identified in the PAI manual. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted on a random split-half of the sample to derive optimized alternative factor structures, and cross-validated in the second split-half using CFA. Four-factor models emerged for both the ANT and AGG scales, and, as predicted, the size of item factor loadings was associated with the strength with which items were associated with institutional infractions and community recidivism. This suggests that the quality by which a construct is measured is associated with its predictive strength. Implications for risk assessment are discussed.

Measurement properties of the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation: Rasch analysis of responses from a traumatic hand injury population

IntroductionThe Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) is a self-reported assessment of pain and disability to evaluate outcome after hand injuries. Rasch analysis is an alternative strategy for examining the psychometric properties of a measurement scale based in item response theory, rather than classical test theory. Purpose of the studyThis study used Rasch analysis to examine the content, scoring and measurement properties of the PRWHE. MethodsPRWHE scores (n = 264) from persons with a traumatic injury or reconstructive surgery to one hand were collected from an outpatient hand rehabilitation facility. Rasch analysis was conducted to assess how the PRWHE fit the Rasch model, confirms the scaling structure of the pain and disability subscales, and identifies any areas of bias from differential item functioning. ResultsRasch analysis of the PRWHE supports internal consistency of the scale (α = 0.96) and reliability (as measured by the person separation index) of 0.95. While gender, age, diagnosis, and duration since injury all systematically influenced how people scored the PRWHE, hand dominance and affected side did not. Rasch analysis supported a 3 subscale structure (pain, specific activities and usual activities) rather than the current divisions of pain and disability. ConclusionsInitial examination of the PRWHE indicates the psychometric properties of consistency, reliability and responsiveness previously tested by classical methods are further supported by Rasch analysis. It also suggests the scale structure may be best considered as 3 subscales rather than simply pain and disability.

Fidelity to Recovery-Oriented ACT Practices and Consumer Outcomes

A previous study of a recovery-oriented assertive community treatment initiative (PACT) in Washington State found reductions in state psychiatric hospital use and related costs for PACT participants, especially in the first six months after enrollment and for consumers who were high users of the state psychiatric hospital before ACT enrollment. This study examined whether these outcomes varied by team fidelity to recovery-oriented ACT practices. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine the relationship between scores on the Tool for Measurement of Assertive Community Treatment (TMACT), a recently developed tool for assessing fidelity to recovery-oriented ACT, and the use of state hospitals, local hospitals, emergency departments, local crisis stabilization units, and arrests for 631 PACT consumers. These relationships were also examined for PACT consumers with any state hospital use (N=450) and those considered high users of the state hospital (≥ 96 days in two years before PACT enrollment). TMACT scores were associated (p<.01) with a decrease in the amount of use but not the probability of using state psychiatric hospitals, local hospital psychiatric inpatient units, and local crisis stabilization units. The marginal effects of higher TMACT scores on the probability and use of emergency departments or arrests were not statistically significant. This study provides preliminary evidence for the predictive validity of the TMACT. Future research should examine the subscale structure of the TMACT as well as the association between TMACT fidelity and consumer well-being, quality of life, and other important person-centered outcomes.

The psychometric properties of the subscales of the GHQ-28 in a multi-ethnic maternal sample: results from the Born in Bradford cohort

BackgroundPoor maternal mental health can impact on children’s development and wellbeing; however, there is concern about the comparability of screening instruments administered to women of diverse ethnic origin.MethodsWe used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the subscale structure of the GHQ-28 in an ethnically diverse community cohort of pregnant women in the UK (N = 5,089). We defined five groups according to ethnicity and language of administration, and also conducted a CFA between four groups of 1,095 women who completed the GHQ-28 both during and after pregnancy.ResultsAfter item reduction, 17 of the 28 items were considered to relate to the same four underlying concepts in each group; however, there was variation in the response to individual items by women of different ethnic origin and this rendered between group comparisons problematic. The EFA revealed that these measurement difficulties might be related to variation in the underlying concepts being measured by the factors.ConclusionsWe found little evidence to recommend the use of the GHQ-28 subscales in routine clinical or epidemiological assessment of maternal women in populations of diverse ethnicity.

Factorial validity of the Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes towards Children with Handicaps Scale (CATCH)

The Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes towards Children with Handicaps Scale (CATCH) has been developed to measure the attitudes of children toward peers with disabilities. The present study aims to evaluate the factorial validity of the CATCH in a sample of 2396 students in 7th grade, including 179 students with disabilities and 2217 typically developing students. Each classroom included at least one student with a disability. The structure of the scale, as proposed by the developers, was tested and its stability was evaluated across gender, disability status, awareness of the disability status of classmates and having a classmate with a disability as a friend. Confirmatory factor analysis did not support the originally proposed subscale structure. Instead of the three proposed subscales, a single subscale including seven items was found. Strict factorial invariance was obtained across gender, disability status, awareness of the disability status of classmates and being friends with a classmate with a disability. Implications of these findings will be discussed.

Style Preference Survey: A Report on the Psychometric Properties and a Cross-Validation Experiment

Several self-report measures exist that target different aspects of outcomes for hearing aid use. Currently, no comprehensive questionnaire specifically assesses factors that may be important for differentiating outcomes pertaining to hearing aid style. The goal of this work was to develop the Style Preference Survey (SPS), a questionnaire aimed at outcomes associated with hearing aid style differences. Two experiments were conducted. After initial item development, Experiment 1 was conducted to refine the items and to determine its psychometric properties. Experiment 2 was designed to cross-validate the findings from the initial experiment. An observational design was used in both experiments. Participants who wore traditional, custom-fitted (TC) or open-canal (OC) style hearing aids from 3 mo to 3 yr completed the initial experiment. One-hundred and eighty-four binaural hearing aid users (120 of whom wore TC hearing aids and 64 of whom wore OC hearing aids) participated. A new sample of TC and OC users (n = 185) participated in the cross-validation experiment. Currently available self-report measures were reviewed to identify items that might differentiate between hearing aid styles, particularly preference for OC versus TC hearing aid styles. A total of 15 items were selected and modified from available self-report measures. An additional 55 items were developed through consensus of six audiologists for the initial version of the SPS. In the first experiment, the initial SPS version was mailed to 550 veterans who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 184 completed the SPS. Approximately three weeks later, a subset of participants (n = 83) completed the SPS a second time. Basic analyses were conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SPS including subscale structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness. Based on the results of Experiment 1, the SPS was revised. A cross-validation experiment was then conducted using the revised version of the SPS to confirm the subscale structure, internal consistency, and responsiveness of the questionnaire in a new sample of participants. The final factor analysis led to the ultimate version of the SPS, which had a total of 35 items encompassing five subscales: (1) Feedback, (2) Occlusion/Own Voice Effects, (3) Localization, (4) Fit, Comfort, and Cosmetics, and (5) Ease of Use. The internal consistency of the total SPS (Cronbach's α = .92) and of the subscales (each Cronbach's α > .75) was high. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) showed that the test-retest reliability of the total SPS (ICC = .93) and of the subscales (each ICC > .80) also was high. TC hearing aid users had significantly poorer outcomes than OC hearing aid users on 4 of the 5 subscales, suggesting that the SPS largely is responsive to factors related to style-specific differences. The results suggest that the SPS has good psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable measure of outcomes related to style-specific, hearing aid preference.

Assessing Aggressive Behavior in Forensic Psychiatric Patients: Validity and Clinical Utility of Combining Two Instruments

Accurate observation of aggressive behavior among forensic psychiatric patients requires valid instruments. This study examines the validity and clinical utility of combining the social dysfunction and aggression scale (SDAS) and staff observation aggression scale revised (SOAS-R). Nurses weekly obtained SDAS scores of 127 patients, resulting in 6.124 assessments. Aggressive incidents were documented by the SOAS-R. Internal consistency, subscale structure, interobserver reliability of the SDAS, and convergent validity with SOAS-R were analyzed. A three-factor solution was found. Interobserver reliability was moderate, and good convergent validity was found. The SDAS, in conjunction with the SOAS-R, monitors changes in aggressiveness and may contribute to the prevention of aggressive behavior.

Structure of the Personality Beliefs Questionnaire-Short-Form: Smallest Space Analysis

Butler et al. (Cognitive Therapy and Research 31:357–370, 2007) developed the Personality Beliefs Questionnaire-Short Form (PBQ-SF), from an earlier longer version (Beck and Beck 1991), to assess the types of schemata associated with different personality disorders. This study explored the structure of PBQ-SF using Guttman’s Smallest Space Analysis. Participants were 228 students who volunteered for the study. The two facets (each with two subsets) suggested by the analysis to characterize the structure of the personality disorder subscales were Ego Concerns (self-enhancement versus self-protection) and Control Concerns (feelings lack of control versus need for control). Clinical implications of the findings include targeting major dysfunctional thinking, as suggested by the aforementioned two facets and their subsets, in the treatment of personality disorders.

The breast reconstruction satisfaction questionnaire (BRECON‐31): An affirmative analysis

To verify the subscale structure of the BRECON-31 using a test sample of women naïve to the questionnaire. The BRECON-31 was administered to women following breast reconstruction. Their responses were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA) with a varimax rotation. Components were maintained with an Eigenvalue greater than one. Internal consistency reliability was measured with Cronbach's Alpha (CA). Components on the test pool analysis were then compared with the subscales developed on 128 women who completed the questionnaire during the development phase. Fifty women completed the BRECON-31. Development and test pools of women were similar across demographics, pathology, and surgical details, except the development sample was somewhat older (53 yo vs. 49 yo, P = 0.02). Using PCA, eight subscales again emerged: self-image, arm concerns, intimacy, satisfaction, recovery, self-consciousness, expectations, and breast appearance. A nipple, and abdominal strength and appearance subscales also emerged. Forty-one of the 45 items loaded similarly in the development and test pools. Internal consistency reliability was high, with CA in the test pool equaling or exceeding CA in the development pool in the majority of the subscales. The BRECON-31 factor structure identified in the development pool was supported by the test pool, with similar reliability.