scholarly journals Measuring undergraduate students’ beliefs about and career interest in bioproducts and bioenergy

BioResources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 5679-5693
Author(s):  
S. L. McAlexander ◽  
S. M. Noble ◽  
K. McCance ◽  
M. R. Blanchard ◽  
R. A. Venditti

Two survey instruments measuring undergraduate students’ beliefs about bioproducts/bioenergy and related careers were developed and validated in this research study. The Beliefs about Bioproducts/Bioenergy (BABB) and Career Interest in Bioproducts/Bioenergy (CIBB) surveys were administered to undergraduate students enrolled in courses in a natural resources college. BABB (N = 168) and CIBB (N = 203) survey results were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Validity and reliability were demonstrated. The BABB has two related scales, Personal (P) and Societal (S), which can be used together or separately. ANOVA and t-test analyses determined that students with majors closely related to bioproducts/bioenergy held significantly more positive personal and societal beliefs about bioproducts/bioenergy, as well as related career interests. Differences were identified based on gender, but not by race/ethnicity. Measuring student beliefs about bioproducts/bioenergy and interest in related careers may help to gauge trends and changes in beliefs that influence environmentally-related choices and support efforts to prepare a diverse workforce for the bioeconomy. The authors recommend the use of these surveys to measure the impacts of academic and professional development experiences.

Author(s):  
M Sodani ◽  
R Ghasemi Jobaneh

Introduction: Given the importance of academic resilience in students' academic life, the aim of this study was the validity and reliability of the academic resilience scale in undergraduate students of Ahvaz universities. Methods: in this descriptive psychometric study, the number of 306 undergraduate students from Ahvaz universities (Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Chamran University, Islamic azad University) were selected using Voluntary sampling method and responded to the Cassidy Academic resilience Scale and Fredericks et al. Academic Engagement Scale. Reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Convergent validity using Pearson correlation coefficient, and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis were calculated.The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-23 and AMOS-21 software. Result: Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the ratio χ2/df is 1.89 for three factor structure and fit indexes of model were satisfactory and reasonable. Reliability according to Cronbach's alpha coefficient for Academic resilience Scale was reported 0.85 (perseverance = 0.75, reflecting and adaptive help-seeking= 0.76, negative affect and emotional response= 0.78).  There is also a positive and significant correlation between academic resilience and Academic Engagement and Convergent validity is confirmed (r= 0.35). Conclusion: According to the results of current research, the Academic resilience Scale is a reliable instrument with valid psychometric properties to measure Academic Adjustment in Iranian students and students with lower academic resilience can be identified And take appropriate psychological measures for them.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thamasan Suwanroj ◽  
Punnee Leekitchwatana ◽  
Paitoon Pimdee

The purpose of this descriptive study was to apply 2nd order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural relationship models to identify the digital competency components essential to undergraduate students in Thai higher education institutions. The sample comprised 1,126 specialists in Information Technology, Computer Technology, Computer Education, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering working in public higher education instructions throughout the country. The selection was the result of multi-stage random sampling from 76 public higher education instructions that offer undergraduate education. The instrument was a questionnaire form on essential digital competency components for undergraduate students in higher education institutions. The question items employed a 7-point Likert scale and showed Cronbach's alpha values for the content validity and reliability at a range of.93-.97 per domain and .87-.99 per component. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for general data and 2nd Order CFA analysis. The findings revealed that from 24 observed variables, there were 7 competency components.: 1) Fundamental of digital ; 2) Accessing digital information; 3) Using digital information; 4) Creating digital information and media; 5) Communicating digital information; 6) Managing digital information; and 7) Evaluating digital information. The discovery from this study was substantially constructive for Thai higher education institutions as it could be used to design an essential digital competency framework of the 21st century.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Nejla Gürefe ◽  
Veysel Akçakın

Persistent in mathematical studies is an important element allowing students to be successful in their STEM careers, and there is a need for affective measurement instruments to assess persistence in mathematics in spite of problems. For this reason, this study aims to adapt the Mathematical Resilience Scale developed to assess resilience, which is described as having a positive attitude towards mathematics, to Turkish. The fitness of the factor structure of the scale consisting of three factors was investigated using the confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the scale and its factors was assessed using the Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient. The reliability value was found to be .92, .80, .76, and .87 for the value factor, the struggle factor, the growth factor, and the entire scale, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis validated the factor structure of the scale, and the second-level confirmatory factor analysis was performed to show that the factors of the scale were components of resilience. As a result, it was found that the resilience consisted of three components, namely value, struggle, and growth, and the scale was capable of measuring mathematical resilience of undergraduate students validly and reliably.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1477
Author(s):  
Serhat Arslan ◽  
Namudar İzzet Kurbanoğlu

<p>The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric features of Educational and Career Interest Scale (ECIS) developed by Oh et al. (2013) in order to assess the high school student's own interests in the fields of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) on Turkish sample. The scale consists of three sub dimensions called Science career interest (SCI), Technology career interest (TCI) and Mathematics career interest (MCI) as well as 9 items. The sample of the study comprises of 588 students who study at three different high schools. The studies of internal consistency, item and factor analysis and criterion cohesion validity were performed to examine the psychometric features of the scale. The values obtained from the internal consistency analyses of the scale was .89 for SCI sub dimension; .81 for TCI sub dimension; .88 for MCI sub dimension and .87 in total, and it was shown that the scale has sufficient reliability levels. The results of item discrimination and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original three-factor structure of the scale is suitable for Turkish sample. So, it is thought that the scale is a valid and reliable tool to be used for determining the educational and career interest levels for Turkish sample group.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-431
Author(s):  
Aurelie M. C. Lange ◽  
Marc J. M. H. Delsing ◽  
Ron H. J. Scholte ◽  
Rachel E. A. van der Rijken

Abstract. The Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM-R) is a central assessment within the quality-assurance system of Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Studies into the validity and reliability of the TAM in the US have found varying numbers of latent factors. The current study aimed to reexamine its factor structure using two independent samples of families participating in MST in the Netherlands. The factor structure was explored using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in Sample 1 ( N = 580). This resulted in a two-factor solution. The factors were labeled “therapist adherence” and “client–therapist alliance.” Four cross-loading items were dropped. Reliability of the resulting factors was good. This two-factor model showed good model fit in a subsequent Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Sample 2 ( N = 723). The current finding of an alliance component corroborates previous studies and fits with the focus of the MST treatment model on creating engagement.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixia Cui ◽  
Xiujie Teng ◽  
Xupei Li ◽  
Tian P.S. Oei

The current study examined the factor structure and the psychometric properties of Sandra Prince-Embury’s Resiliency Scale for Adolescents (RESA) in Chinese undergraduates. A total of 726 undergraduate students were randomly divided into two subsamples: Sample A was used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Sample B was used for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA revealed that 56 items and a model of 10 factors with 3 higher order factors (as described by Sandra) were to be retained; CFA with Sample B confirmed this result. The overall scale and the subscales of the Chinese-RESA demonstrated a high level of internal consistency. Furthermore, concurrent validity was demonstrated by the correlation of the scale with other instruments such as the PANAS and the CSS, and the predictive validity was confirmed via three multiple regression analyses using the PANAS as a criterion variable: one for the 10 subscales of the C-RESA, one for the 3 higher order scales, and one for the total C-RESA. We concluded that the C-RESA may be used for research into Chinese undergraduates’ adaptive behaviors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janiny Lima e Silva ◽  
Matheus de Sousa Mata ◽  
Saionara Maria Aires Câmara ◽  
Íris do Céu Clara Costa ◽  
Kleyton Santos de Medeiros ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Lederman Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (PSEQ) is used to assess psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and maternity. The PSEQ is a tool used in various countries and has been translated into Portuguese; however, it needs to be validated in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the PSEQ in Brazilian pregnant women. Method This methodological validity study investigated internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation between domains and confirmatory factor analysis. To assess concurrent validity, Pearson’s correlation between the different domains of the PSEQ and Prenatal Psychosocial Profile-Portuguese Version (PPP-VP) was determined. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results This study included 399 pregnant women in the northeastern region of Brazil. The internal consistency and reliability of the total PSEQ score were high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95). Validity analysis showed positive and significant correlations between all PSEQ domains, ranging from 0.14 to 0.56. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the following values of goodness of fit: RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.08, CFI = 0.61, χ2/df = 1.77. The discriminant and concurrent validities of the PSEQ were confirmed. Conclusions The Portuguese version of the PSEQ has adequate psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy in Brazilian pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 2025-2030
Author(s):  
Maryam Seraji ◽  
Maryam Zahmatkeshan ◽  
Victoria Momen Abadi ◽  
Elham Nejadsadeghi

Background: Child obesity is one of the main health problems all across the world, which leads to mental and physical health problems. Various models are used in designing intervention to prevent child obesity, one of which is social-cognitive theory (SCT). The constructs of social-cognitive theory are commonly used for designing preventive interventions. However, there is no specific tool based on the constructs of social-cognitive theory to assess the factors associated with child obesity. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and confirmatory factor analysis of a SCT-based questionnaire for assessing obesity preventing behaviors among 4-6 years old children. Method: A cross-sectional study was first conducted in 2016 on 240 preschool children aged 4-6 years in Behbahan city (a city in southwest Iran) to assess the obesity prevention behaviors among them using a SCT-based questionnaire. To investigate the validity and confirmatory factor analysis of the SCT-based questionnaire, content and face validity as well as forward-backward translation method were used. Reliability of the questionnaire was also measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was assured by confirmatory factor analysis. To measure the obesity prevention behaviors in 4-6 years old children, the construct of SCT, including environment, emotional coping, outcome expectations, goal setting and self-efficacy were used. Also, the obesity prevention behaviors used in the model included physical activity, consumption of fruit and vegetable, consumption of sugar-free drinks, and screen. Results: Results of this study confirmed the acceptable content and face validity of the SCT-based questionnaire. The results of confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the factor loading of more than 0.3 for all variables; therefore, the SCT-based questionnaire had an acceptable validity and reliability. Conclusions: Since the SCT-based questionnaire had an acceptable validity and reliability, it can be used to assess the obesity prevention behaviors in 4-6 year old children, and also to design relevant educational interventions. Keywords: Validation, Social-Cognitive Theory, Behavior, Childhood obesity, Preschool, Prevention


Author(s):  
Moeini Babak ◽  
Barati Majid ◽  
Heidarimoghadam Rashid ◽  
Tapak Leili ◽  
Parsamajd Shahryar

Inadequate health literacy decreases physical activity. This study aimed to develop and examine psychometrics of physical activity health literacy in Iranian older adults. This methodological work was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 consisted of extensive studies review and qualitative study to extract and design the items. The psychometrics were measured in Phase 2 included content, faceconstruct validities, reliability, and stability. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS (version 25.0) and AMOS (version 24.0). The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed four factors— information evaluation, reading skill, perception, and decision making—and used information that explained 70.08% of the variance. The model’s fitness was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency based on Cronbach’s alpha was .89 with composite reliability >0.85. Stability was confirmed through the test–retest method and intraclass correlation coefficient (.89–1). Psychometrics of physical activity health literacy in Iranian older adults supported validity and reliability of the tool.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-82
Author(s):  
İlayda Oylum Guleryuz ◽  
Figen Okçın

Purpose: A study was conducted to investigate the Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Insulin Initiation Attitudes Scale of individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: This methodologically planned study was conducted with 128 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who met the sampling criteria. Data collected using a personal information form to identify individuals diagnosed with diabetes and CH-ASIQ, which assessed their attitudes towards diabetes, and the form Insulin Therapy Attitude Scale parallel as a parallel form. For the statistical analysis of the data, Construct Validity, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Pearson, Gutmann, Split Half, Spearman, Cronbach Alpha coefficient methods were used. Results: It was statistically significant; it is seen that 14.1% of the participants were in the 41-50 age range, 37.5% were in the 51-60 age range, and 48.8% were 61 and over. According to Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, the result was found to be 0.626. According to the results of factor analysis, 4 factors have emerged which have Eigenvalues above 1 and explain 69.48% of the total variance. According to Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling Results of the scale were found to be p=0.000. According to Cronbach Alpha result 0.756. Conclusion: There was a relationship between attitudes to having information about the treatment of diabetics and attitude, and there was the relationship between them. Effects of fear, pain on these findings were observed. The importance of education for a positive attitude was determined. The importance of patients' attitudes towards insulin therapy should be emphasized for adaptation to the disease.


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