Underlying Factor Structure Research Articles

EMPIRICALLY TESTING THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE CULTURAL INTELLIGENT SCALE TO STUDY INTRA-CULTURAL ACCULTURALIZATION

ABSTRACT The application of the Cultural Intelligence Scale has rapidly increased since its development by Ang et al. (2007). However, the focus of the research related to cultural intelligence has neglected subcultures and the related impacts that acculturation has on them. There is a paucity in the literature for the intracultural relations. Hence, this paper looks at the validity and reliability of the Cultural Intelligence Scale to measure intracultural acculturation process. This would allow future researchers to expand the cultural intelligence research to the vast amount of subcultures that exist. This study uses factor analysis, average variance extracted, and Cronbach’s alpha to determine the validity and reliability of the Cultural Intelligence Scale. This study has a sample of 100 African American graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They work in an organization where most of the employees are non-African Americans. The results of the factor analysis, factor loadings over .50 and no cross loadings, reflect a very strong underlying factor structure. The average variance extracted of 0.535 means that more variance is explained than error remaining in the latent construct and the Cronbach’s alpha of .933 reflects the strong reliability of the Cultural Intelligence Scale when applied to subcultures. These findings suggest the high level of validity and reliability of the Cultural Intelligence Scale when applied to subcultures. Implications from this research as well as limitations and future research directions are also discussed. Keywords Culture; Subculture; Acculturation; Cultural Intelligence; Intercultural; Intracultural

The Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Nomophobia Questionnaire.

BackgroundNomophobia is the fear of being disconnected from one’s mobile phone, prevailing in modern area. To the best of our knowledge, no Persian psychometric scales are available for investigating nomophobia among Iranians. Therefore, we here aimed to translate and validate the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) for being used in Iran.MethodsThe NMP-Q was translated from English to Persian using a classical “backward and forward” procedure. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out to explore the underlying factor structure of the translated questionnaire. A principal component analysis (PCA) approach with varimax rotation was further performed.Findings425 volunteer students were included. Among them, 80.2% were 20-30 years old. Men and women constituted 187 (44.0%) and 238 (56.0%) of the participants, respectively. 100 (23.5%) of the subjects were medicine graduates. Using mobile phones for more than 5 years was noted in 215 (50.6%) subjects. Also, 422 (99.3%) subjects connected to the Internet via their cellphones. Regarding cellphone usage, 301 (70.8%) subjects used them less than 5 hours a day, 158 (37.2%) subjects checked their cellphones less than 10 times a day, and 92 (21.6%) subjects checked their cellphones every 20 minutes. Eigenvalues and the scree-plot supported a 3-factorial nature of the translated questionnaire. NMP-Q showed an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.93 (the coefficients of 0.90, 0.77, and 0.71 for the three factors, respectively). The first, second, and third factors explained 26.30%, 20.84%, and 17.60% of the variance, respectively. The total score of NMP-Q correlated with the hours spent with mobile phones, the years of using them, and the age.ConclusionOur findings showed that the Persian version of the NMP-Q was a valid and reliable tool for evaluating nomophobia among Iranians.

Motivated strategies for learning questionnaire part B revisited: New subscales for an adult distance education setting

In the current study, the underlying factor structure of the learning strategies part of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), originally designed for traditional college students, was explored and a best-fit-solution for subscales was proposed for students in adult distance education (DE). Factor analyses revealed five factors (management of time and effort; complex cognitive strategy use; simple cognitive strategy use; contacts with others; academic thinking), including fewer items, which resulted in a shorter list than the original learning strategies part of the MSLQ. Cognitive strategies and management of time and effort were used most by adult DE students, contacts with others were used least. Compared to traditional college students, the findings in adult DE may be explained by a differential interpretation of items based on differences between educational systems, living and study circumstances, and age and experiences. The newly developed subscales may be considered for future research on learning strategies of students within adult DE in which the students can determine their own time, place, and pace of study.

Factor structure of the Q-LES-Q short form in an enrolled mental health clinic population

PurposeThe Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) is a recovery-oriented, self-report measure with an uncertain underlying factor structure, variously reported in the literature to consist of either one or two domains. We examined the possible factor structures of the English version in an enrolled mental health population who were not necessarily actively engaged in care.MethodsAs part of an implementation trial in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mental health clinics, we administered the Q-LES-Q-SF and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) over the phone to 576 patients across nine medical centers. We used a split-sample approach and conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multi-trait analysis (MTA). Comparison with VR-12 assessed construct validity.ResultsBased on 568 surveys after excluding the work satisfaction item due to high unemployment rate, the EFA indicated a unidimensional structure. The MTA showed a single factor: ten items loaded on one strong psychosocial factor (α = 0.87). Only three items loaded on a physical factor (α = 0.63). Item discriminant validity was strong at 92.3%. Correlations with the VR-12 were consistent with the existence of two factors.ConclusionsThe English version of the Q-LES-Q-SF is a valid, reliable self-report instrument for assessing quality of life. Its factor structure can be best described as one strong psychosocial factor. Differences in underlying factor structure across studies may be due to limitations in using EFA on Likert scales, language, culture, locus of participant recruitment, disease burden, and mode of administration.

Development and Validation of the Retrospective Childhood Fantasy Play Scale

This article describes the development and initial psychometric properties of the Retrospective Childhood Fantasy Play Scale (RCFPS), a brief 11-item retrospective self-report measure of preference for, and engagement with, fantasy play during childhood. Five studies were conducted to (a) develop the initial items for the scale ( n = 77), (b) determine the underlying factor structure ( n = 200), (c) test the fit of the model ( n = 530), and (d) and (e) ascertain construct validity ( n = 200) and convergent validity ( n = 263). Overall, the results suggest that the RCFPS is a unidimensional measure with acceptable fit and preliminary validity. The RCFPS may prove useful in educational and developmental research as an alternative to longitudinal studies to further investigate how childhood fantasy play relates to individual differences in adulthood (e.g., in the areas of creativity, theory of mind, and narrative skills).

Antecedents of national park knowledge in Tanzania

ABSTRACTOver time, national park knowledge has come to constitute the gap between the full social freedom and individual consciousness of the ecological conditions inside a park. While other visitors have a rigorous knowledge of transportation, nature, and culture, some visitors naively enter the area in order to enjoy their tourism rights. Theoretically, our model proposes that national park knowledge can change as a result of knowing about eco-tourist attractions; also, knowledge of public infrastructure and accessibility is strongly correlated to knowledge of what you can and cannot do in the protected area. Eco-tourist attractions include natural resources, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities. The argument is that all the infrastructure is developed around these, as that these are the sources of attraction. Based on the literature, we link these variables with the ecotourism concept, thus positioning our paper as an ecotourism study. A total of 103 questionnaires were returned on the basis of convenience sampling. A satisfying underlying factor structure was confirmed by CFA and EFA, in which four hypotheses were tested. With 103 observations, the model sufficiently met the minimum sample size for SEM. This paper provides some evidence for its cross validity and may inspire more studies in future.

A French translation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index, an instrument to assess self-reported musical skills, abilities and behaviours

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to translate into French the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) (Müllensiefen, D., Gingras, B., Musil, J., & Stewart, L. (2014). The musicality of non-musicians: An index for assessing musical sophistication in the general population. PLOS One, 9(2), e89642) – an inventory to assess self-reported musical skills, abilities and behaviours -, to examine the internal consistency and to confirm the factor structure of this new French translation. The Gold-MSI has been translated into French in different steps and completed online by 795 persons, out of which data from 750 persons have been analysed. Measures of internal consistency reveal that the French version of the Gold-MSI has high levels of internal consistency (α = .80–.95; ω = .86–.96; Guttman λ6 = .80–.97). Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis shows a good structure index (RMSEA = .063; SRMR = .066; CFI = .884) and confirms the underlying factor structure. These findings support the use of the French version of the Gold-MSI as a reliable instrument to measure the level of different musical facets. The French translation, which is freely available in supplementary material, can contribute to research about musical skills and behaviours in French-speaking regions.

Passive and Active Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms Among United States Adults.

Social media allows users to explore self-identity and express emotions or thoughts. Research looking into the association between social media use (SMU) and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety or depressive symptoms, have produced mixed findings. These contradictions may best be addressed by examining different patterns of SMU as they relate to depressive symptomatology. We sought to assess the independent associations between active versus passive SMU and depressive symptoms. For this, we conducted an online survey of adults 18-49 of age. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System brief depression scale. We measured active and passive SMU with previously developed items. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying factor structure. Then, we used ordered logistic regression to assess associations between both passive and active SMU and depressive symptoms while controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Complete data were received from 702 participants. Active and passive SMU items loaded on separate factors. In multivariable analyses that controlled for all covariates, each one-point increase in passive SMU was associated with a 33 percent increase in depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.33, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-1.51). However, in the same multivariable model, each one-point increase in active SMU was associated with a 15 percent decrease in depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.85, 95 percent CI = 0.75-0.96). To inform interventions, future research should determine directionality of these associations and investigate related factors.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scale for Dissolved Relationships

Instruments that assess parenting behavior after divorce have largely focused on the domains of general support of and conflict in co-parenting. This paper introduces and validates a measurement tool that provides a more nuanced perspective of the quality of co-parenting behaviors, the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scale for Dissolved Relationships (MCS-DR). Participants were divorced or currently divorcing parents recruited through a Qualtrics panel (N = 569) to take a university-sponsored, state-approved curriculum, “Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce” and respond to a series of surveys about their experiences in the divorce process. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying factor structure of the initial measurement item pool, which consisted of 48 items. From this, a four factor model emerged, consisting of 23 items; one additional item was removed following tests of measurement equivalence as a function of gender suggesting a final measure which consisted of 22 items across the four subscales. Those subscales include: Overt Conflict, Support, Self-Controlled Covert Conflict, and Externally-Controlled Covert Conflict. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four factor structure of the MCS-DR. The dimensions of Support and Overt Conflict demonstrate concurrent validity with an existing measure used in the literature on post-divorce co-parenting. Educators and clinicians may find this newly developed scale useful in helping parents identify their strengths and challenges in post-divorce functioning for the well-being of their children. Implications for the field are also discussed in relation to legislatively and judicially mandated divorce classes in many states.

Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of the German Version of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is a widely used diagnostic interview for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Following fundamental modifications in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the CAPS had to be revised. This study examined the psychometric properties (internal consistency, interrater reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and structural validity) of the German version of the CAPS-5 in a trauma-exposed sample (n = 223 with PTSD; n =51 without PTSD). The results demonstrated high internal consistency (αs = .65-.93) and high interrater reliability (ICCs = .81-.89). With regard to convergent and discriminant validity, we found high correlations between the CAPS severity score and both the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale sum score (r = .87) and the Beck Depression Inventory total score (r = .72). Regarding the underlying factor structure, the hybrid model demonstrated the best fit, followed by the anhedonia model. However, we encountered some nonpositive estimates for the correlations of the latent variables (factors) for both models. The model with the best fit without methodological problems was the externalizing behaviors model, but the results also supported the DSM-5 model. Overall, the results demonstrate that the German version of the CAPS-5 is a psychometrically sound measure.

Development and testing of the Youth Alcohol Norms Survey (YANS) instrument to measure youth alcohol norms and psychosocial influences

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and validate an online instrument to: (1) identify common alcohol-related social influences, norms and beliefs among adolescents; (2) clarify the process and pathways through which...

ASPECTS OF LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE ON ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE IN ABU DHABI PUBLIC SECTOR

The aim of this research is to determine the aspects of leadership style and organizational culture on organization performance in Abu Dhabi public sector. A total of 398 respondents were selected for the data analysis, where the ultimate step of data analysis is the employing appropriate analytical methods to understand and interpret the data gathered. The present study is to be used Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS Software Package to analyze the data. Based on existing literature, previous studies and the purpose of the study, the researcher has decided to use descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) explores the possible underlying factor structure of a set of variables without foisting a predetermined structure on the outcome. On the other hand, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests the hypothesis relationships of the variables to verify its factor structure. The result found that, in order to stimulate the progress of the organization, they must recognize and harness the creativity and innovative of the leadership. Technology, culture and organizational strategy may not be able to sustain them for long unless organizations are ready to establish a structure that continuously develops knowledge leaders to run and sustain the process. Article visualizations:

Self-expression through sport participation: exploring participant desired self-image

ABSTRACTResearch questions: The current study is aimed at providing preliminary answers to two research questions: (1) What salient self-images do people pursue for self-expression in the context of sport participation? (2) To what extent does participant desired self-image (PDSI) influence consumer behavior?Research methods: In Phase 1 of the study, a comprehensive review of literature, two focus groups, and an open-ended survey (N = 113) were conducted to generate the initial pool of self-images. In Phase 2, an exploratory factor analysis using online survey data (N = 370) was conducted to explore the underlying factor structure of PDSI. In Phase 3, a confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation modeling analysis using online survey data (N = 483) were conducted to validate the proposed PDSI scale and test the influence of PDSI on consumer behavior.Results and findings: A PDSI measurement scale was developed and validated, resulting in 19 desired self-images under three dimensions: inner self-merit, lifestyle pursuance, and social self-presentation. Findings of the structural relationship model revealed that PDSI influenced personal involvement, money expenditure, and time expenditure.Implications: This study preliminarily unearthed salient items in PDSI, highlighted the symbolic nature of sport activities, and demonstrated the importance of PSDI in sport participation. These findings provided implications for practitioners to accommodate PDSI through long-term and integrated marketing efforts and shed a light on studies in branding, community sport, and public health.

The Nursing Performance Instrument: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses in Registered Nurses.

The optimal performance of nurses in healthcare settings plays a critical role in care quality and patient safety. Despite this importance, few measures are provided in the literature that evaluate nursing performance as an independent construct from competencies. The nine-item Nursing Performance Instrument (NPI) was developed to fill this gap. The aim of this study was to examine and confirm the underlying factor structure of the NPI in registered nurses. The design was cross-sectional, using secondary data collected between February 2008 and April 2009 for the "Fatigue in Nursing Survey" (N = 797). The sample was predominantly dayshift female nurses working in acute care settings. Using Mplus software, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to the NPI data, which were divided into two equal subsamples. Multiple fit indices were used to evaluate the fit of the alternative models. The three-factor model was determined to fit the data adequately. The factors that were labeled as "physical/mental decrements," "consistent practice," and "behavioral change" were moderately to strongly intercorrelated, indicating good convergent validity. The reliability coefficients for the subscales were acceptable. The NPI consists of three latent constructs. This instrument has the potentialto be used as a self-monitoring instrument that addressesnurses' perceptions of performance while providing patient care.

F100. FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE CANNABIS EXPERIENCES QUESTIONNAIRE IN A FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS SAMPLE

BackgroundThe Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ) was developed to measure the subjective experiences of cannabis use both during and after intoxication. Despite the need to better understand the nature of the complex and significant relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis, this questionnaire has rarely been used in individuals with first-episode psychosis.MethodsWe conducted a set of factor analyses using CEQ data from 194 first-episode psychosis patients who used cannabis, in order to uncover the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire and thus the overarching types of psychological experiences during/after using cannabis in young people with psychotic disorders.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses were performed on the 2 full-scale CEQ factor structures identified in the literature and neither model fit the data within acceptable levels. Using all 56 CEQ items, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) model was fit with an oblique rotation. Models with 3, 4, and 5 factors were further explored to identify underlying factors. The final 4-factor EFA model provided the best fit. It included 47 items (3 items had multiple loadings and 6 items did not load on any factor), with names given, based on item composition, as follows: Factor 1 (Distortions of Reality and Self-Perception) included 18 items (α = 0.89), Factor 2 (Euphoria Effects) included 16 items (α = 0.89), Factor 3 (Slowing and Amotivational Effects) included 7 items (α = 0.81), and Factor 4 (Anxiety and Paranoia Effects) included 6 items (α = 0.79).DiscussionOur derived factor structure differed from those stemming from previous EFAs using different samples (eg, healthy individuals with varying degrees of schizotypy). The inconsistency might be best explained by the different populations sampled, ranging from healthy individuals who have smoked cannabis at least once to individuals with schizophrenia who smoked it regularly. Specifically, differences could be related to variations in how cannabis affects healthy individuals as well as those with schizotypy, as opposed to those with emerging or frank psychosis. Elucidating the underlying factor structure of the CEQ in first-episode psychosis samples could help researchers move towards a deeper understanding of the types of experiences associated with cannabis intoxication among young adults with first-episode psychosis and could inform the development of programs designed to reduce use, improve the course of illness, and possibly delay or prevent the onset of psychotic symptoms in those at risk.

Establishing a coherent and replicable measurement model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an established screening tool for postnatal depression. Inconsistent findings in factor structure and replication difficulties have limited the scope of development of the measure as a multi-dimensional tool. The current investigation sought to robustly determine the underlying factor structure of the EPDS and the replicability and stability of the most plausible model identified. A between-subjects design was used. EPDS data were collected postpartum from two independent cohorts using identical data capture methods. Datasets were examined with confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance testing and systematic evaluation of relational and internal aspects of the measure. Participants were two samples of postpartum women in England assessed at three months (n = 245) and six months (n = 217). The findings showed a three-factor seven-item model of the EPDS offered an excellent fit to the data, and was observed to be replicable in both datasets and invariant as a function of time point of assessment. Some EPDS sub-scale scores were significantly higher at six months. The EPDS is multi-dimensional and a robust measurement model comprises three factors that are replicable. The potential utility of the sub-scale components identified requires further research to identify a role in contemporary screening practice.

Filipino College Students’ Attitudes towards Religion: An Analysis of the Underlying Factors

In the last 50 years, measures of religious constructs have been the subject of much scientific attention. Cross-cultural considerations necessitate that empirical claims on assessments about religion are validated by local data. While religion is typically viewed in terms of spirituality and religiosity, recent empirical studies indicate a shift in the interpretation of these dimensions in a more diffused and relaxed appreciation. Building up from these developments, in the present research, we develop and test the structure and reliability of a scale to assess students’ attitudes towards religion. Using a sample (n = 2733) of college students from two provincial universities in the Philippines, we employed data reduction techniques to understand the underlying factor structure. The results showed a three-factor measure of attitudes towards religion.

Modelling the factor structure of the Child Depression Inventory in a population of apparently healthy adolescents in Nigeria.

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent depression is common and often persists into adulthood with negative implications for school performances, peer relationship and behavioural functioning. The Child Depression Inventory (CDI) has been used to assess depression among adolescents in many countries including Nigeria but it is uncertain if the theoretical structure of CDI appropriately fits the experiences of adolescents in Nigeria. This study assessed varying theoretical modelling structure of the CDI in a population of apparently healthy adolescents in Benue state, Nigeria.MethodsData was extracted on CDI scale and demographic information from a total of 1, 963 adolescents (aged 10–19 years), who participated in a state wide study assessing adolescent psychosocial functioning. In addition to descriptive statistics and reliability tests, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor analysis (CFA) were used to model the underlying factor structure and its adequacy. The suggested new model was compared with existing CDI models as well as the CDI’s original theoretical model. A model is considered better, if it has minimum Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA<0.05), Minimum value of Discrepancy (CMIN/DF<3.0) and Akaike information criteria. All analyses were performed at 95% confidence level, using the version 21 of AMOS and the R software.ResultsParticipants were 14.7±2.1 years and mostly male (54.3%), from Monogamous homes (67.9%) and lived in urban areas (52.2%). The measure of the overall internal consistency of the 2-factor CDI was α = 0.84. The 2-factor model had the minimum RMSEA (0.044), CMIN/DF (2.87) and least AIC (1037.996) compared to the other five CDI models.ConclusionThe child depression inventory has a 2-factor structure in a non-clinical general population of adolescents in Nigeria. Future use of the CDI in related setting may consider the 2-factor model.

Examining the factor structure of narrative meaning-making for stressful events and relations with psychological distress

ABSTRACTThis study examined the underlying factor structure of 15 narrative meaning-making indices for narratives of stressful events, and explored the incremental validity of the narrative factor solution over and above general personality traits in predicting various indices of psychological well-being. Two-hundred and twenty four undergraduates (Mage = 19.2 years, SDage = 2.1; 114 males and 110 females; 67.6% Caucasian, 12.0% East Asian, 7.6% African-American, 4.0% South Asian, 2.2% Hispanic, and 6.7% as mixed or Other origin) wrote about the most traumatic experience in their life, and completed a series of psychological questionnaires. The narratives were coded in 15 ways theoretically derived from the narrative meaning-making literature. A series of exploratory structural equation models indicated that a four-factor solution best approximated the data. The four factors were: positive processing, negative processing, integrative meaning, and structure. All four factors related differentially to indices of well-being over and above traits. There appear to be four distinct, but related, factors of narrative meaning-making for memories of stressful events, which shed light on the nuanced relations with well-being.

Challenges in measuring interprofessional-interorganisational collaboration with a questionnaire.

BackgroundCollaboration between medical professionals from separate organisations is necessary to deliver good patient care. This care is influenced by professionals’ perceptions about their collaboration. Until now, no instrument to measure such perceptions was available in the Netherlands. A questionnaire developed and validated in Spain was translated to assess perceptions about clinicians’ collaboration in primary and secondary care in the Dutch setting.AimValidation in the Dutch setting of a Spanish questionnaire that aimed to assess perceptions of clinicians about interorganisational collaboration.Design & settingAfter translation, cultural adaptation, and pre-testing, the questionnaire was sent to GPs and secondary care clinicians (SCCs) in three regions in the Netherlands. The responses of 445 responders were used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire.MethodA confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were performed to study the construct validity of the hypothesised factor model underlying the questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using weighted Kappa statistics.ResultsResults of the CFA indicated poor fit of the hypothesised factor structure. EFA, executed separately for each region, showed a highly unstable factor structure. The test-retest reliability analysis demonstrated low re-test reliability.ConclusionThe underlying factor structure of a Spanish questionnaire could not be reproduced. The construct validity and reliability of this questionnaire were insufficient to warrant use in the Dutch setting. This study demonstrates the need for evaluating validity and reliability of questionnaires in local settings.