To evaluate multidimensional factor structure, a popular method that combines features of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis is Bayesian structural equation modeling with small-variance normal priors (BSEM-N). This simulation study evaluated BSEM-N as a variable selection and parameter estimation tool in factor analysis with sparse…

A simulation study was conducted to explore the impact of differential item functioning (DIF) on general factor difference estimation for bifactor, ordinal data. Common analysis misspecifications in which the generated bifactor data with DIF were fitted using models with equality constraints on noninvariant item parameters were compared under data…

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to assess college students' efficacy beliefs for conceptual change and to examine the psychometric properties of the instrument. Participants were 692 students. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized single factor structure of Efficacy Beliefs for Conceptual…

This study explored the validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in a sample of 853 practicing teachers from Australia, Canada, China (Hong Kong), Indonesia, and Oman. The authors used multigroup confirmatory factor analysis to test the factor structure and measurement invariance across settings, after which they examined the relationships…

An algorithm, based upon factor analytic theory, is presented to illustrate one solution to the problem of selecting items for a test. (Authors)

The Parent as a Teacher Inventory, a measure of parents' feelings and beliefs regarding interaction with their young children, was administered to 615 parents of preschool children. The failure to validate the subsets illustrates the complexity of parenting behavior and the difficulties with content vs. construct validity. (Author/PN)

An effort to operationalize the logic of confidence construct is described that uses item development, factor analysis, and reliability and validity tests. Data from public school and higher education teachers indicate correlations for teacher logic of confidence, status obeisance, professional zone of acceptance, and autonomy. (TJH)