Factor loadings and item discrimination parameters play a key role in scale construction. A multitude of heuristics regarding their interpretation are hardwired into practice--for example, neglecting low loadings and assigning items to exactly one scale. We challenge the common sense interpretation of these parameters by providing counterexamples…

This study compares automated methods to develop short forms of psychometric scales. Obtaining a short form that has both adequate internal structure and strong validity with respect to relationships with other variables is difficult with traditional methods of short-form development. Metaheuristic algorithms can select items for short forms while…

The name "SAT" has become synonymous with college admissions testing; it has been dubbed "the gold standard." Numerous studies on its reliability and predictive validity show that the SAT predicts college performance beyond high school grade point average. Surprisingly, studies of the factorial structure of the current version…

This article describes the development, validation, and measurement invariance of scores from a survey designed to measure preservice teachers' reported acceptance of technology. Drawing from conceptual models in the areas of information systems and technology acceptance, a five-factor Technology Acceptance Measure for Preservice Teachers (TAMPST)…

Illustrates a multivariate approach to item analysis. Previous formulation is extended by investigating techniques simultaneously taking into account scale variance with the goal of reducing the average correlation between scales. Study examines problems in determining optimum values for combinations of item parameters selected for personality…

This paper examines the properties of the Item Efficiency Index proposed by Neill and Jackson (1976; EJ 137 077) for minimum redundancy item analysis. (Author/BW)

Three attachment style scales were developed. The factor structure of the attachment style construct was supported through exploratory factor analysis of attachment style scores from 1,181 and 545 recent college graduates. Additional evidence for score validity is presented, based on a measure of the Big Five personality traits. (SLD)

Developed a university version of the Charles F. Kettering Climate Scale focusing on psychological dimensions of the educational climate. A second-order analysis of results from 707 students shows areas of generalization across the primary components. (SLD)

Developed an instrument to measure empowering leader behavior (study 1, n=1,309) and studied the relationship of the instrument to several theoretically relevant variables (study 2, n=84). Confirmatory factor analyses support a six-dimension model of empowering leader behavior. Psychological empowerment mediated the relationship between six…

In three studies, college students evaluated their instructor on student-rating-of-instruction items. Based upon item content and a component analysis of the item intercorrelations, four scales were constructed. They were judged to possess an acceptable degree of internal consistency and construct validity to be useful in further research.…

Confirmatory factor analysis results for the measures of interpersonal power developed by T. R. Hinkin and C. A. Schriesheim (1989) are reported. A five-factor oblique model provided the best fit to the data in independent samples of 480 and 241 adults. Factor pattern coefficients are discussed. (SLD)

The development and validation of a revised form of the RAM Scale in Likert format are described. The RAM Scale measures student philosophical orientations in terms of relative, absolute, or mixed biases or preferences toward issues of knowledge, methods, and values. (Author/PN)

The Test of Logical Thinking was designed to measure five modes of formal reasoning: controlling variables, proportional reasoning, combinatorial reasoning, probabilistic reasoning, and correlational reasoning. Analysis of data from students, grades 6-16 indicated high test reliability and confirmed that the test measures one underlying dimension,…