Challenging the Multidimensional Conception of Perceived Person-Environment Fit

Author(s):  
Julian M. Etzel ◽  
Gabriel Nagy

Abstract. In the current study, we examined the viability of a multidimensional conception of perceived person-environment (P-E) fit in higher education. We introduce an optimized 12-item measure that distinguishes between four content dimensions of perceived P-E fit: interest-contents (I-C) fit, needs-supplies (N-S) fit, demands-abilities (D-A) fit, and values-culture (V-C) fit. The central aim of our study was to examine whether the relationships between different P-E fit dimensions and educational outcomes can be accounted for by a higher-order factor that captures the shared features of the four fit dimensions. Relying on a large sample of university students in Germany, we found that students distinguish between the proposed fit dimensions. The respective first-order factors shared a substantial proportion of variance and conformed to a higher-order factor model. Using a newly developed factor extension procedure, we found that the relationships between the first-order factors and most outcomes were not fully accounted for by the higher-order factor. Rather, with the exception of V-C fit, all specific P-E fit factors that represent the first-order factors’ unique variance showed reliable and theoretically plausible relationships with different outcomes. These findings support the viability of a multidimensional conceptualization of P-E fit and the validity of our adapted instrument.

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Krumm ◽  
Lothar Schmidt-Atzert ◽  
Kurt Michalczyk ◽  
Vanessa Danthiir

Mental speed (MS) and sustained attention (SA) are theoretically distinct constructs. However, tests of MS are very similar to SA tests that use time pressure as an impeding condition. The performance in such tasks largely relies on the participants’ speed of task processing (i.e., how quickly and correctly one can perform the simple cognitive tasks). The present study examined whether SA and MS are empirically the same or different constructs. To this end, 24 paper-pencil and computerized tests were administered to 199 students. SA turned out to be highly related to MS task classes: substitution and perceptual speed. Furthermore, SA showed a very close relationship with the paper-pencil MS factor. The correlation between SA and computerized speed was considerably lower but still high. In a higher-order general speed factor model, SA had the highest loading on the higher-order factor; the higher-order factor explained 88% of SA variance. It is argued that SA (as operationalized with tests using time pressure as an impeding condition) and MS cannot be differentiated, at the level of broad constructs. Implications for neuropsychological assessment and future research are discussed.


2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lening Zhang ◽  
John W. Welte ◽  
William F. Wieczorek

The Buffalo Longitudinal Study of Young Men was used to address the possibility of a common factor underlying adolescent problem behaviors. First, a measurement model with a single first-order factor was compared to a model with three separate correlated first-order factors. The three-factor model was better supported, making it logical to conduct a second-order factor analysis, which confirmed the logic. Second, a substantive model was estimated in each of two waves with psychopathic state as the common factor predicting drinking, drug use, and delinquency. Psychopathic state was stable across waves. The theory that a single latent variable accounts for large covariance among adolescent problem behaviors was supported.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Lomazzi

Although measurement invariance is widely considered a precondition for meaningful cross-sectional comparisons, substantive studies have often neglected evaluating this assumption, thereby risking drawing conclusions and making theoretical generalizations based on misleading results. This study offers a theoretical overview of the key issues concerning the measurement and the comparison of socio-political values and aims to answer the questions of what must be evaluated, why, when, and how to assess measurement equivalence. This paper discusses the implications of formative and reflective approaches to the measurement of socio-political values and introduces challenges in their comparison across different countries. From this perspective, exact and approximate approaches to equivalence are described as well as their empirical translation in statistical techniques, such as the multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) and the frequentist alignment method. To illustrate the application of these methods, the study investigates the construct of solidarity as measured by European Values Study (EVS) and using data collected in 34 countries in the last wave of the EVS (2017–2020). The concept is captured through a battery of nine items reflecting three dimensions of solidarity: social, local, and global. Two measurement models are hypothesized: a first-order factor model, in which the three independent dimensions of solidarity are correlated, and a second-order factor model, in which solidarity is conceived according to a hierarchical principle, and the construct of solidarity is reflected in the three sub-factors. In testing the equivalence of the first-order factor model, the results of the MGCFA indicated that metric invariance was achieved. The alignment method supported approximate equivalence only when the model was reduced to two factors, excluding global solidarity. The second-order factor model fit the data of only seven countries, in which this model could be used to study solidarity as a second-order concept. However, the comparison across countries resulted not appropriate at any level of invariance. Finally, the implications of these results for further substantive research are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Ibrahim ◽  
Johann-Christoph Münscher ◽  
Philipp Yorck Herzberg

The Impostor-Profile (IPP) is a six-dimensional questionnaire measuring the Impostor Phenomenon facets. This study aims to test (a) the appropriateness of a total score, (b) measurement invariance (MI) between gender, (c) the reliability of the IPP, and (d) the convergent validity of the IPP subscales. The sample consisted of N = 482 individuals (64% female). To identify whether the scales of the IPP form a total score, we compared four models: (1) six correlating subscales, (2) a general factor model, (3) a second-order model with one second-order factor and six first-order factors, and (4) a bifactorial model with six group factors. The bifactorial model obtained the best fit. This supports the assumption of a total impostor score. The inspection of structural validity between gender subgroups showed configural, metric, and partial scalar MI. Factor mean comparisons supported the assumption that females and males differ in latent means of the Impostor Phenomenon expressions. The omega coefficients showed sufficient reliability (≥0.71), except for the subscale Need for Sympathy. Overall, the findings of the bifactor model fit and construct validity support the assumption that the measurement through total expression is meaningful in addition to the theoretically formulated multidimensionality of the Impostor Phenomenon.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10915
Author(s):  
Ashley Slabbert ◽  
Penelope Hasking ◽  
Danyelle Greene ◽  
Mark Boyes

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the intentional damage to one’s body tissue in the absence of suicidal intent. NSSI primarily serves an emotion regulation function, with individuals engaging in self-injury to escape intense or unwanted emotion. Low distress tolerance has been identified as a mechanism that underlies self-injury, and is commonly assessed using the self-report Distress Tolerance Scale. There are mixed findings regarding the factor structure of the Distress Tolerance Scale, with some researchers utilising a higher-order distress tolerance score (derived from the scores on the four lower-order subscales) and other researchers using the four subscales as unique predictors of psychological outcomes. Neither of these factor structures have been assessed among individuals with a history of self-injury. Of note, an inability to tolerate distress (thought to underlie NSSI) may limit an individual’s capacity to accurately observe and report specific thoughts and emotions experienced in a state of heightened distress, which may impact the validity of scores on the Distress Tolerance Scale. Therefore, measurement invariance should be established before attributing NSSI-related differences on the scale to true differences in distress tolerance. We compared the Distress Tolerance Scale higher-order model with the lower-order four factor model among university students with and without a history of NSSI. Our results indicated that the lower-order four factor model was a significantly better fit to the data than the higher-order model. We then tested the measurement invariance of this lower-order factor model among individuals with and without a history of NSSI, and established configural and full metric invariance, followed by partial scalar and full residual error invariance. These results suggest the four subscales of the Distress Tolerance Scale can be used to confidently discern NSSI-related differences in distress tolerance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-164
Author(s):  
Norshima Humaidi ◽  
Melissa Shahrom ◽  
Muhamad Sukor Jaafar ◽  
Siti Halijjah Shariff

Abstract Student Activity Information System (SAIS) was developed with the aims to efficiently record the applications of student’s activity at the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor, Malaysia and to assist the administrator to manage the students’ activities effectively. By using different e-service quality dimensions, this study proposed a higher order factor of SAIS Service Quality with an attempt to determine a moderating effect of SAIS Service Convenience between the relationship of SAIS Service Quality and Student’s Satisfaction. Quantitative data was gathered from 94 SAIS users and the data were analyzed by using SmartPLS 3.0. The analysis result showed that SAIS Service Quality and SAIS Service Convenience were positively influenced the student’s satisfaction. Moreover, the result also revealed that the higher order factor of SAIS Service Convenience was not to moderate the relationship between the SAIS Service Quality and Student’s Satisfaction. From the Higher Education (HE) perspective, this study provides an empirical validation of the Information System Service Quality Model particularly in the context of SAIS. Hence, the improvement of the e-service quality is essential for future enhancement of existing information systems in the higher education institutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Platania ◽  
Santo Di Nuovo ◽  
Alice Caruso ◽  
Fabio Digrandi ◽  
Pasquale Caponnetto

Several authors have highlighted the importance of creating a useful tool to evaluate academic Burnout through the construction and validation of specific scales to evaluate academic Burnout. Based on the literature, the aim of this study is to evaluate in Italian university the psychometric properties of the SBI-U 9 scale for Academic Burnout in university students in Italy developed by Boada-Grau and colleagues. Study 1 (N=609) examined the factor structure of the scale (Male=45.6%, Female=54.4%; Mage= 21.9; SD=2.92). Study 2 (N=412) advanced the previous SBI-U 9 validation by testing its measurement equivalence across gender (Male=48.8%, Female= 51.2%) and different type of course of study (Technical-Mathematical-Scientific=33.5%, Medical- Scientific=32.5%, Scientific-Humanistic=34%) through Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results confirmed a one higher-order factor structure with three first-order factors, the scale was found to be invariant across gender and different type of course of study. The findings advanced the general claim of SBI-U 9 showed an important tool for detecting the academic Burnout in university students in the Italian context, this is confirmed by the good psychometric properties of the scale.


1997 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 1079-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J. Bensur ◽  
John Eliot ◽  
Laxmin Hegde

240 children (60 each at ages 4, 6, 8, and 10 years) were administered Dennis' (1987) Five Drawing Tasks and five additional developmental tasks. Three hypotheses were tested: that object recognition and working memory would be related to increasing complexity, that both would load on separate factors, and that higher-order analyses would indicate an underlying second-order spatial factor. Analysis included very strong zero-order correlations with age. When age was partialed out, three first-order factors were obtained. Higher-order analyses yielded one second-order factor which appeared related to a general factor of spatial intelligence.


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