Underlying Factor Structure Research Articles

Measuring consumer access, appraisal and application of services and information for dementia (CAAASI-Dem): a key component of dementia literacy

BackgroundThe ability to locate, navigate and use dementia services and information, either for oneself or in providing care for others, is an essential component of dementia literacy. Despite dementia literacy being understood to be inadequate in many settings, no validated instrument exists to measure these elements. Here we describe the development and preliminary validation of the Consumer Access, Appraisal and Application of Services and Information for Dementia (CAAASI-Dem) tool.MethodsItems were adapted from existing health literacy tools and guided by discussion posts in the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UDMOOC). Following expert review and respondent debriefing, a modified CAAASI-Dem was administered to UDMOOC participants online. On the basis of descriptive statistics, inter-item and item total correlations and qualitative feedback, this was further refined and administered online to a second cohort of UDMOOC participants. Exploratory factor analysis identified underlying factor structure. Items were retained if they had significant factor loadings on one factor only. Each factor required at least three items with significant factor loadings. Internal consistency of factors in the final model was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients.ResultsFrom a pool of 70 initial items with either a 5-point Likert scale (Not at all confident – Extremely confident; or Strongly agree – Strongly disagree) or a binary scale (Yes – No), 65 items were retained in CAAASI-Dem-V1. Statistical and qualitative analysis of 1412 responses led to a further 34 items being removed and 11 revised to improve clarity. The 31 item CAAASI-Dem-V2 tool was subsequently administered to 3146 participants, one item was removed due to redundancy and EFA resulted in the removal of an additional 4 items and determination of a five factor structure: Evaluation and engagement; Readiness; Social supports; Specific dementia services; and Practical aspects.ConclusionsThe five factors and 26 constituent items in CAAASI-Dem align with functional, critical, and communicative aspects of dementia health literacy from the perspective of the carer. As a screening tool for people living with dementia and their carers, CAAASI-Dem potentially provides a means to determine support needs and may be a key component of the dementia literacy assessment toolbox.

The Development and Validation of a Measure of Fear of Charm Within the Nigerian Population

The fear of charm is a commonplace in the sociopolitical and economic life of many Nigerians. Notably, researchers are yet to develop a measure that will assess fear of charm in Nigeria and within the African population in general. In this regard, this paper reports the development of the Fear of Charm Scale (FCS) among Nigerian adults and demonstrates its reliability and validity evidences. The development of the FCS entails item generation, content validity, determining its underlying factor structure, internal consistency and construct validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated three-factor structures for the FCS. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties in terms of adequate reliability, convergence and discriminant validity. By using the FCS, social science researchers can now reliably and validly measure the construct of fear of charm and assess its influence on other psychological variables such as self-efficacy, psychotic symptoms, work performance, psychological well-being etc.

Meta-analysis of the factor structure of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) using an aggregated co-occurrence matrix approach

Purpose The Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) is a tool used to measure clinically relevant psychological symptoms to support clinical decision-making at intake and during the course of treatment in various settings. The BSI-18 has frequently been evaluated for construct validity via analysis of its structure. However, these studies showed mixed results of the factor solutions and no consensus on the dimensionality. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to synthesize the empirical findings about the factor structure to reach an overall conclusion about the factor structure of the BSI-18. Design/methodology/approach A meta-analysis of factor analysis results using an aggregated co-occurrence matrix approach was conducted to synthesize the factor structure. The item factor loading information from seven published studies is gathered, combined and summarized to conclude the factor structure of the instrument. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to quantify the similarity between the underlying factor structures of BSI-18 from different empirical articles. Findings The perceptual map from MDS-found items was clustered into three distinctive factors matching the original intent. The findings highlight the consistency of the BSI-18’s factor structure. However, the findings should be used with caution owing to the small sample size and conclusions made from visual representation. Originality/value This original study contributes to research in the provision of empirically tested measures that take a focus on factor analysis and the use of meta-analysis technique to account for an understanding of the factor structure.

Development and Validation of the Equanimity Scale-16

Equanimity is a non-reactive attitude that is increasingly recognized as a central component of mindfulness practice and a key mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions that is currently lacking means of measurement. The present study aimed to develop a self-report measure of equanimity, explore its underlying factor structure, validity and reliability. An initial pool of 42 items was selected from existing mindfulness questionnaires and measures of related constructs, and subsequently reviewed by researchers and selected based on majority agreement on their construct validity. The Qualtrics online platform was used to administer these items and other questionnaires used to assess validity and collect demographic information in 223 adults from the general community (66.8% females and 33.2% males, age range = 18–75). Questionnaires were then re-administered to assess test-retest reliability. In agreement with past research, exploratory factor analysis revealed two underlying factors, Experiential Acceptance and Non-reactivity. A final 16-item measure showed good internal consistency (⍺ = .88), test-retest reliability (n = 73; r = .87, p < .001) over 2–6 weeks and convergent and divergent validity, illustrated by significant correlations in the expected direction with the Nonattachment Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale. Based on this initial study, the Equanimity Scale-16 appears to be a valid and reliable self-report measure to assess trait equanimity, and may be further explored in future studies as a tool to assess progress during mindfulness-based interventions, and to assist in the investigation of their underlying mechanisms.

Validation of a brief scale to assess ambulatory patients’ perceptions of reading visit notes: a scale development study

ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate the validity of a scale to assess patients’ perceived benefits and risks of reading ambulatory visit notes online (open notes).DesignFour studies were used to evaluate the...

Factor structure of 12 items in the Chinese Health Questionnaire among the elderly population in mainland China

ObjectivesThe 12-item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12) has been widely used for screening mental disorders. This study aims to examine the internal consistency and factor structure of CHQ-12 and its suitability for use in the elderly Chinese population. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodsA total of 8526 elderly people aged ≥60 years from 11 cities in Shanxi Province were selected for participation in this study by stratified random cluster sampling. Cronbach’s alpha was employed to assess internal consistency. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to explore the underlying factor structure of the CHQ-12 in the elderly. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then conducted to test and compare the goodness-of-fit between possible factor structure obtained from the EFA and the unidimensional structure, which was originally recommended. ResultsThe Cronbach’s alpha for CHQ-12 was 0.838. The EFA extracted three factors, which explained 55.985% of the total variance of the data. The CFA of the three-factor model resulted in an acceptable model fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.98, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.97, Normed Fit Index = 0.98, Expected Cross-Validation Index = 0.28, Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation = 0.071). The item loadings ranged from 0.58 to 0.82. Correlation coefficients among the three factors ranged from 0.40 to 0.75. ConclusionsThe CHQ-12 presented satisfactory internal consistency and structural validity in the Chinese elderly population. The CFA of the three-factor structure expressed a preferred model fit in comparison to the unidimensional model. The three-factor structure of the CHQ-12 interpreted three different aspects of mental health: somatic symptoms, anxiety and worry, and depression/poor family relationship.

Measuring commitment to self-tracking: development of the C2ST scale

Self-tracking technologies bring a new set of experiences into our lives. Through sensors and ubiquitous measurements of bodily performance, a new form of automation experience shapes our understanding of our body and our behavior. While for many individuals self-tracking has an important role in their daily lives, a theoretical understanding of the level and behavioral manifestations of commitment to self-tracking is still missing. This paper introduces the concept of commitment to self-tracking and presents the development and first validation of a new 12-item behavior-based scale for its measurement, the Commitment to Self-Tracking (C2ST) scale. Using online survey data from individuals wearing self-tracking technology (N = 300), we explore the underlying factor structure of the scale and determine its reliability and validity. An analysis of the survey data indicates that commitment to self-tracking positively correlates with autonomous motivation for tracking and negatively correlates with controlled motivation. The C2ST scale brings insights on how self-tracking technology, as a novel automation experience, is affecting users’ everyday behaviors. Overall, by emphasizing the feasibility of defining commitment behaviorally, the paper concludes with implications for theory and practice and suggests directions for future research.

Psychometrics and diagnostic properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-min protocol in screening for Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia among older adults in Tanzania: A validation study.

The prevalence of dementia in Tanzania, as in other developing countries, is progressively increasing. Yet international screening instruments for mild cognitive impairment are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometrics and the diagnostic ability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5minutes protocol (MoCA-5-min) among older adults in the rural Tanzania. The MoCA-5-min and the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) cognitive screening were concurrently administered through face to face to 202 community-dwelling older adults in Chamwino district. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal component method and oblique rotation was performed to determine the underlying factor structure of the scale. The concurrent and construct as well as predictive validities of the MoCA-5-min were examined by comparing its score with IDEA cognitive screening and psychiatrist's diagnosis using DSM-V criteria, respectively. The EFA found that all the MoCA-5-min items highly loaded into one component, with factor loading ranging from 0.550 to 0.879. The intraclass correlation coefficient for 6weeks test-retest reliability was 0.85. Its strong significant correlation with the IDEA screening (Pearson's r=0.614, p<0.001) demonstrated a good concurrent validity. Using the psychiatrist's rating as the gold standard, MoCA-5-min demonstrated the optimal cut-off score for MCI at 22, which yielded the sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 74%; and dementia at score of 16 giving a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 80%. Upon stratifying the sample into different age groups, the optimal cut-off scores tended to decrease with the increase in age. The MoCA-5-min is reliable and provides a valid and accurate measure of cognitive decline among older population in the rural settings of Tanzania. The use of varying cut-off scores across age groups may ensure more precise discriminatory power of the MoCA-5-min. Availability of the MoCA-5-min in Tanzania will facilitate clinicians to timely detect dementia at both pre-clinical and clinical stages. Its availability will also encourage further research and international collaborations in dementia prevention programs.

The structure of depressive symptoms and characteristics and their relation to overall severity in major depressive disorder

Although many investigators have examined symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), the multivariate relations among these features of depression and their relative associations with overall severity of depression are not well understood. The present study is the first to examine the underlying factor structure of depression across a broad set of constructs and to model the multivariate association of these factors with the overall severity of depression. We conducted a large-scale factor analysis and multiple regression in a sample of participants diagnosed with MDD (N = 233) and healthy controls (N = 235). We obtained a five-factor solution composed of the following factors: (1) anxiety; (2) behavioral activation; (3) core symptoms; (4) rumination; and (5) emotional intensity. The core symptoms factor, composed primarily of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for MDD, was the only factor that showed a consistent, significant association with overall severity of depression and functional impairment. Rumination combined with behavioral inhibition and positive and negative affect combined with each other to form coherent constructs that may be useful in examining differences among depressed individuals. These findings provide an important data-driven framework for the multidimensional symptom structure of depression and suggest several actionable ways for improving clinical assessment and treatment for individuals with MDD.

Why so curious? Validation and cross‐cultural investigation of the Hindi Epistemic Curiosity Scale

Epistemic curiosity (EC) is the motive and need to seek knowledge. The present work entails validation of the English EC Scale translated into the Hindi language. Study 1 comprised confirmatory factor analysis of the Hindi scale using a sample of 223 bilingual Indians (143 females). The 10‐item two‐factor structure with Interest and Deprivation subscales was validated for the Hindi EC Scale. Convergent and discriminant validity was established, and model fits were assessed separately for males and females, along with measurement invariance testing. In Study 2, linguistic invariance testing and cross‐cultural comparisons were undertaken for a sample of 151 Indians (93 females) and 219 Americans (179 females) for the EC scales, to assess similarities in the underlying factor structure. Indians did not differ from Americans in their responses to the English EC Scale, but slight differences were observed for the Hindi EC Scale, suggesting an interplay of language and culture. Further, independent t tests compared the two samples on measures of curiosity, gossip, personality, and affect. Americans had a higher tendency toward interpersonal curiosity and agreeableness whereas Indians scored higher on intellect. Cross‐cultural and linguistic differences as well as future work are presented. In sum, the Hindi EC Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can facilitate further translations into other Indian languages.

Pemphigus Oral Lesions Intensity Score (POLIS): A Novel Scoring System for Assessment of Severity of Oral Lesions in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Background: Many patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in India present with predominant/exclusive oral mucosal lesions. Current validated scoring systems for pemphigus do not adequately represent the clinical variability of oral lesions.Objective: To develop and validate a novel scoring system exclusively for oral lesions in PV.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the Delphi method was used to build an initial scale that was administered in 115 patients with PV. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the underlying factor structure of the new scale. The psychometric properties of the new scale were studied. Correlations between the new scale and Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS), Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) were also assessed.Results: Content validity of the initial scale was established with an average content validity index (CVI) of 0.8. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor structure with a total of 9 items. Corrected item-total correlation, a measure of data quality, was more than 0.30 for all items in the new oral mucosal scale—Pemphigus Oral Lesions Intensity Score (POLIS). Significant correlations were observed between POLIS and oral ABSIS (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), mucosal PDAI (r = 0.70, p < 0.001), and PGA (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). POLIS was also reliable with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and strong inter-rater agreement.Limitations: The study cohort included participants from a single center. Usability and time taken to administer the scale were not assessed.Conclusions: The new scale, POLIS, has adequate validity and reliability. It includes both quality of life and clinical disease severity parameters, assessing disease severity holistically. Further studies evaluating the scale's responsiveness to change are in progress.

Adaptation and validation of UNICEF/Washington group child functioning module at the Iganga-Mayuge health and demographic surveillance site in Uganda

BackgroundThe UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) assesses child functioning among children between 5 and 17 years of age. This study adapted and validated the CFM at the Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (IM-HDSS) in Uganda.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018–January 2019 at the IM-HDSS. Respondents were caregivers of children between 5 and 17 years of age who were administered modified Washington Group short set (mWG-SS) and CFM. The responses were recorded on a 4-point Likert scale. Descriptive analysis was conducted on child and caregiver demographic characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed underlying factor structure, dimensionality and factor loadings. Cronbach’s alpha was reported as an assessment of internal consistency. Face validity was assessed during the translation process, and concurrent validity of CFM was assessed through comparison with disability short form.ResultsOut of 1842 caregivers approached, 1439 (78.1%) participated in the study. Mean age of children was 11.06 ± 3.59 years, 51.4% were males, and 86.1% had a primary caregiver. Based on EFA, vision, hearing, walking, self-care, communication, learning, remembering, concentrating, accepting change, behavior control, and making friends loaded on factor 1 - “Motor and Cognition,” while anxiety and depression loaded on factor 2 - “Mood”. Cronbach’s alpha for the overall CFM was 0.899 (good internal consistency). Cronbach’s alpha for each extracted factor was excellent, motor and cognition (0.904), and mood (0.902). CFM had acceptable face validity. Spearman’s rank correlation between scores of CFM and modified WG short set was 0.51 (p-value < 0.001). The overall mean CFM score was 2.47 ± 3.82 out of 39. The mean score for Mood (1.35 ± 1.42 out of 6) was higher compared to Motor and Cognition (1.12 ± 3.06 out of 33). Comparing modified WG short set and CFM Likert responses, the percent agreement was greatest for “cannot do at all.”ConclusionCFM is a two-factor, valid and reliable scale for assessing disability in Uganda and can be applied to other similar settings to contribute towards disability data from the region. It is an easy-to-administer tool that can help in deeper understanding of context-specific burden and extent of disability in children between 5 and 17 years of age.

Understanding the Parental Stress Scale With a Foster Carer Cohort

ObjectiveUsing a cohort of foster and kin carers, the research examined the underlying factor structure of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS; Berry &amp; Jones, 1995). A hypothesized underlying two‐dimensional theoretical model was explored.BackgroundWith the growing demands on the foster care system, including poor retention and recruitment of foster carers, there is an urgent need to explore the positive and negative factors that may influence carers continued engagement in the role.MethodThe factor structure of the PSS was examined in a sample of foster and kin carers in Australia (N = 324). The PSS consists of 10 statements addressing stressful aspects of parenting and eight statements addressing satisfying aspects of parenting. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the underlying theoretical structure of the scale as determined by the developers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm whether four factors would sustain reduction to a two‐dimensional (satisfaction–stress) model.ResultsEFA and CFA supported a two‐dimensional moderately correlated model measuring parent stress and parent satisfaction. The Parent Stress Index IV Short Form provided concurrent validity for the PSS stress subscale and previous analyses have also identified the strength of these dimensions over time, cohorts, and contexts.ConclusionThe current study supports using the subscale scores in research with foster carers and potentially other populations to better capture both stress and rewards and satisfaction related to their parenting role.ImplicationsApplication of the PSS subscales can assess interactions or moderating effects of parenting in specific cohorts, making the PSS a valuable instrument to examine the balance between stress and reward for parents, foster parents and others who are “parenting” children.

Increasing cognitive demand in assessments of visuo-spatial neglect: Testing the concepts of static and dynamic tests

ABSTRACT Introduction Numerous tests of visuo-spatial neglect (VSN) have been developed. In this study, we propose a clustering of VSN tests by making a distinction between static tests with low levels of cognitive demand (i.e. tests without movement or time-restrictions, such as paper-and-pencil tests) and dynamic tests with high levels of cognitive demand (i.e. tests incorporating movement and time-restrictions, such as virtual reality tests). The concepts of static and dynamic tests have not been systematically investigated so far. Here, we investigated (1) whether we would find dissociations between patients showing VSN on test within the static cluster but not on tests within the dynamic cluster, and vice versa; (2) whether differences in demographic or clinical characteristics could be identified between these groups of patients; and (3) whether the underlying factor structure would correspond to our proposed distinction between static and dynamic clusters of tests. Method Sixty-one patients with VSN completed three static tests (shape cancellation, line bisection, letter cancellation) and three dynamic tests (Catherine Bergego Scale, Mobility Assessment Course, simulated driving test). Results Thirteen percent of patients showed VSN on tests within the static cluster, 33% on tests within the dynamic cluster, and 54% on tests within both clusters. Patients with VSN on the dynamic tests (alone or in addition to static tests) had poorer motor function, poorer walking abilities and were more dependent in daily life than patients showing VSN on the static cluster alone. The underlying factor structure corresponded to our proposed conceptual distinction between static and dynamic clusters of tests. Conclusions Static and dynamic tests compose different clusters and double dissociations are shown between clusters. Future research involving data-driven approaches might result in a better understanding on how different tests of VSN relate to each other, and, more importantly, a better understanding of VSN and its phenotypes.

Contraste del Modelo Jerárquico Tetrafactorial para el Test de Actitud Corporal en Mujeres Mexicanas

El Body Attitude Test (BAT) fue desarrollado para evaluar la experiencia subjetiva hacia el propio cuerpo y las actitudes que se tienen con el mismo en muestra clínica de mujeres con desórdenes alimentarios. Objetivo. Este estudio toma la versión en español del BAT y analiza su estructura, su consistencia interna e invarianza factorial en una muestra de adolescentes mexicanas. Método. Se usó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar la estructura factorial subyacente e identificar la validez de constructo del modelo de medición, así como se realizó un análisis de la invarianza factorial. Participantes. La muestra se conformó por 571 mujeres con una media de edad de 15.2 (DE=2.51). Resultados. El análisis de consistencia interna mostró una alta confiabilidad para el conjunto de 20 ítems igual a la propuesta original. La estructura tetrafactorial fue confirmada en el total de la muestra mediante una validación cruzada de la misma, dividida en pares y nones obteniendo valores de bondad de ajuste adecuados (χ2/gl = 3.615; RMSEA = .068; CFI = .917; TLI = .903; IFI=.917; NFI= .889). La estructura modelada fue estrictamente invariante en los grupos analizados de preadolescentes y adolescentes. Conclusiones. Se concluye que el BAT posee propiedades psicométricas apropiadas para población no clínica de adolescentes, no obstante se requieren de futuras investigaciones que incluyan población clínica.

An Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Pain Concepts Questionnaire in a Low-SES Setting

The examination of pain beliefs for chronic pain assessment and treatment has been a growing area of interest. A variety of questionnaires have been developed to assess pain beliefs, however, these questionnaires often require high levels of literacy and education. The pain concepts questionnaire (PCQ) was developed with literacy-adaptations to better evaluate pain beliefs in a low socioeconomic (SES) population. This study is an initial exploratory evaluation of the PCQ in a sample of patients with chronic pain and multiple disparities as part of the learning about my pain (LAMP) trial, a randomized controlled trial comparing literacy-adapted psychosocial treatments for chronic pain. All data were collected at pretreatment. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the underlying factor structure of the PCQ and cross-sectional correlational analyses examined relationships between pain beliefs with sociodemographic factors and chronic pain-related variables. Results suggested a 2-factor solution with a Biopsychosocial factor and Biomedical factor. Consistent with the literature, correlational analyses highlighted racial and SES disparities in pain beliefs and the importance of beliefs in pain- and cognitive/affective-related functioning. The study emphasizes the importance of pain beliefs in chronic pain management and recommends future research to further examine additional psychometric properties of the PCQ. PerspectiveThis study is an initial evaluation of the psychometric properties of a new measure of chronic pain beliefs, the pain concepts questionnaire (PCQ). The PCQ is literacy-adapted and was assessed within a low-SES population. Psychometric proprieties of this measure were promising and could be useful in pain assessment and interventions.

Validation of a Comprehensive Measure of the Family Caregiver Experience: The Caregiver Reaction Scale

ABSTRACT Objectives The Caregiver Reaction Scale (CRS) is a multi-dimensional measure of the family caregiving experience that assesses role conflict, challenges, and positive aspects of caregiving. The CRS has been validated in a sample of older adult caregivers who sought counseling, but its validity and reliability in a broader population of caregivers had not been established. This study aimed to explore how well the CRS assesses the multiple dimensions of the caregiving experience in a sample of family caregivers who match the national profile of caregivers and to confirm the validity and structure of the subscales. Methods Family caregivers (N = 452), age 18–89 (M = 48.56, SD = 17.15) were recruited online and completed the CRS and questionnaires of burden and positive aspects of caregiving. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm the underlying factor structure of the CRS, and convergent and discriminant validity was examined. Results CFA supported the existing structure of the CRS; all subscales demonstrated very good internal consistency reliability (α ≤.88), convergent validity (r ≥.39), and discriminant validity (r ≤.12). Conclusions The CRS offers a valid and reliable assessment of the caregiving experience as evidenced by the convergent and discriminant validity of CRS subscales with well-validated measures of burden and positive aspects of caregiving. Clinical Implications The CRS assesses multiple dimensions of caregiving that can be used to better understand the caregiver’s experience, guide clinical interventions and referrals, and identify caregiver strengths.

The factorial validity of the Cornell Critical Thinking Tests: A multi-analytic approach

An unresolved issue in the measurement of critical thinking is the underlying factor structure of available instruments. The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests Level X (Ennis, Millman, & Tomko, 2005) is a widely used assessment of critical thinking in educational settings for students in grades 4−14. Perhaps due to the scale’s intentional complex factor structure with overlapping dimensions, there is surprisingly limited empirical evidence available on its dimensionality to guide score-based decisions. Based on elementary student data (N = 2265), we used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to examine the instrument’s factor structure and compare results across procedures. ESEM yielded an interpretable factor solution that demonstrated measurement invariance across independent samples, whereas EFA and CFA procedures resulted in substantial item reduction and fewer interpretable factors. Implications for research on critical thinking assessment are discussed.

Homo moralis and Homo economicus: scale development and validation of consumers' moral preferences

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and validate scales measuring two consumer moral preferences: Homo moralis and Homo economicus.Design/methodology/approachThis research includes four sequential studies. Before the first study, items were established through a comprehensive literature review and pre-test. Four studies were then conducted to verify the validity and reliability of the scales following the scale validation methodology suggested by Churchill (1979) and Anand and Kaur (2018). Study 1 employed exploratory factor analysis to extract the underlying factor structure of the scale. This led to a two-factor structure with sufficient evidence of internal reliability. Study 2 and Study 3 were conducted to confirm the reliability and the validity of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. The final study established the predictive validity of the scale using a structural equation model.FindingsFinally, seven items were developed measuring consumers' moral preferences for Homo moralis and Homo economicus.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has some limitations that should be addressed in future research. First, the scale was only tested in a Korean context. Second, this study was not conducted in the context of a specific industry.Originality/valueThis study extends the range of research to an empirical field by practically verifying how these two preferences are independent, can be generalized and can influence human behavior. This study empirically demonstrates that the preferences affect human behavior such as purchase intention. This study extends the current knowledge on Homo moralis and Homo economicus by providing a scale for empirical validation of the concepts.

A preliminary validation of the adolescent e-cigarette consequences questionnaire

IntroductionGiven the recent dramatic increase among adolescents in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), there is a growing need to identify outcome expectancies that influence the initiation or continued use of e-cigarettes. While a self-report measure exists for assessing adolescent outcome expectancies for cigarette use, there is currently not one available for e-cigarette use. Validation and use of such a measure would provide insight into the growing popularity of e-cigarettes. MethodsThe sample consisted of 264 (50.76 % female, 86.36 % White, 84.47 % Hispanic/Latinx) freshmen and sophomores from South Florida high schools who were identified as at-risk for e-cigarette use. The current study adapted the Adolescent Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (ASCQ) to derive the Adolescent E-Cigarette Consequences Questionnaire (AECQ) to characterize e-cigarette outcome expectancies. A confirmatory factor analysis was estimated to test the underlying factor structure. ResultsThe confirmatory factor analysis provided support for a seven-factor structure (negative affect reduction, taste/sensorimotor manipulation, social facilitation, weight control, negative physical feelings, boredom reduction, and negative social impression) after removing two items with low factor loadings from the social facilitation subscale. After removing these items, factor loadings ranged from 0.46 to 0.86. ConclusionThe current study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the Adolescent E-Cigarette Consequences Questionnaire is a psychometrically sound measure. Future work should continue to test this measure among diverse samples of adolescents (e.g., non-Latinx samples) with varying levels of use.