On Using and Interpreting the Max R Statistic: A Cautionary Note

1993 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-154
Author(s):  
David L. Streiner

Max r, which is the maximum of all possible split-half reliabilities, has recently been used to reanalyze the psychometric properties of various psychological scales. It is recommended that these revised estimates be interpreted cautiously for two reasons, (1) scale homogeneity is not always the best indicator of reliability and (2) the coefficients cannot be interpreted as equivalent to published reliabilities, which are often based on estimates of the mean split-half reliabilities (e.g., Cronbach's alpha or Kuder-Richardson 20).

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Aguiar ◽  
C Piñeiro ◽  
R Serrão ◽  
R Duarte

Abstract Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has the most effective treatment for people with HIV, but its effectiveness depends on the individual medication adherence. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) is one of the most widely used scales to assess patient adherence. Thus, we aimed to validate a Portuguese version of MMAS-8 and determine its psychometric properties in HIV positive patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João (Porto, northern Portugal) at the infectious diseases department. After authorization to use the scale - granted by the author - and, a standard forward-backwards procedure to translate MMAS-8 to Portuguese, the questionnaire was applied to 233 patients with HIV doing ART. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Three levels of adherence were considered: 0 to < 6 (low), 6 to < 8 (medium), 8 (high). Results In the studied sample, the mean age was 45.03 years (SD = 11.63), 80.3% men, 19.3% women and 1 transgender, and 53.8% had ≤9 years of education. The mean number of prescribed ART per patient was 1.76. The mean score for the medication adherence scale was 7.29 (SD = 6.74). For the reliability analysis, 12 patients were excluded due to missing data (n = 221). Regarding the level of adherence, 22.5% were low adhering, 71.6% medium and 5.9% high. Corrected item-total correlations showed that 1 item does not correlate very well with the overall scale and was dropped. Scale reliability analysis for the remaining 7 items revealed an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.661. Women had a protective effect on adherence (OR = 0.31;95%CI:0.15-0.66). Number of years doing ART, age of participants, and type of residence didn't show to be correlated with adherence. Conclusions MMAS-8 is a reliable and valid measure to detect patients at risk of non-adherence. A satisfactory Cronbach's alfa (0.661) was obtained. In general, adherence to medication was medium or high. Key messages This scale can be applied nationwide in other different hospitals, as it could serve as a tool for measuring adherence to ART that can allow for better health care to the ones that are low adhering. A Portuguese version of the MMAS-8 was created for measuring adherence to ART that maintained a similar structure to the original MMAS-8 and good psychometric properties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-235
Author(s):  
Azadeh Asgarian ◽  
Maryam Hashemi ◽  
Mansoureh Pournikoo ◽  
Tayebe-Sadat Mirazimi ◽  
Hadi Zamanian ◽  
...  

Background Iranian researchers have investigated breastfeeding self-efficacy and its related factors. However, there is no valid and reliable tool for assessing the breastfeeding self-efficacy of Iranian Farsi-speaking women. Research aim To examine the validity and reliability of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form among Iranian Farsi-speaking mothers. Methods We conducted this cross-sectional study at Izadi teaching hospital in Qom, Iran. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 174 mothers, who completed the questionnaire on the first postnatal day. A forward–backward translation method was used to translate the scale. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total characteristics were examined to test reliability. Construct validity was evaluated via principal component analysis (PCA), as well as known-groups validity. Results The mean (standard deviation) of sample age was 28.33 (5.38). The mean (standard deviation) of breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 54.32 (10.50), ranging from 24–70. Cronbach’s alpha (.92), inter-item correlations (.21–.72), and corrected item-total correlations (.44–.75) indicated the adequate reliability of the scale. PCA yielded one component with an eigenvalue of 6.97, explaining 49.8% of the total variance. There was no significant difference in the self-efficacy scores between primiparous and multiparous women. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was not significantly different between the groups in terms of the demographic characteristics. Conclusion The Farsi version of the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale—Short Form is a valid and reliable instrument for Iranian Farsi-speaking mothers, with sound psychometric properties per the other studies worldwide.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382198980
Author(s):  
Marta Nunes Lira ◽  
Clemente Neves Sousa ◽  
Maria Carolina Medeiros Wanderley ◽  
Natália Ramos Costa Pessoa ◽  
Kelly Cristiane Rocha Lemos ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Scale for the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis. Cross-sectional validation study, followed the recommendation provided by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat. Content validity, explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses used to check validity and Cronbach’s alpha was the reliability measure. Three hundred hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula were included in the study. The expert committee assessed the content validity. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the same two-factor structure found for the original scale, explaining 60.10% of the variance. Such solution was checked by confirmatory factor analysis with Cronbach’s alpha equal to 0.920, 0.810, and 0.884 for the overall scale, the self-care in management of signs and symptoms and the self-care in prevention of complications subscales respectively. The scale has good psychometric properties to assess self-care behaviors and can be used with Brazilian patients on hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula.


Assessment ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Miyoshi ◽  
Kimberly Asner-Self ◽  
Sheng Yanyan ◽  
Jennifer M. Koran

The current study examined psychometric properties of the Japanese version of Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale (AMAS-ZABB-JP) and the 20-item Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM-JP) with 273 Japanese sojourners and immigrants to the United States. The theoretical six-factor structure for the AMAS-JP and two-factor structure for the MEIM-JP was consistent with the literature. The subscales of the AMAS and MEIM showed expected patterns of correlation with each other and with additional variables (i.e., number of years in the United States), providing evidence for construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha reflected high levels of reliability for both scales. Despite strong psychometric findings, there were translational and cultural-based findings that suggest the need for further research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaukaran Janghel ◽  
Dr. Priyamvada Shrivastav

To establish the psychometric properties of the personality scale in assessed on personality attributes for adult population. Survey type research and correlational design were use. The personality scale was administered on the adult population (N=200, Age group 30-60 years) of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh, India. The psychometric properties of the scale were established by computing Exploratory Factors analysis, reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha) and validity. The result of the exploratory factor analysis in varimax rotation model reveals that 29 items were significantly loaded in three factors out of 30 items. Each items of the scale were highly discriminate. The reliability of personality scale Cronbach’s Alpha is 0.84.The psychometric properties of the personality trigun scale confirm that it is reliable and valid measure of personality attribute (e.g. sat, raj and tam) among adult with age range of 30-60 years.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hooman Daryoushi ◽  
Amir Jalali ◽  
Ehsan Karimi ◽  
Nader Salari ◽  
Parvin Abbasi

Abstract Background One of the main elements that help students in research projects and composing dissertations is the student-supervisor relationship. A valid and reliable tool to measure this seems essential and it is the objective of the present study to validate and assess the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on supervisor-doctoral student interaction (QSDI) in Iran. Methods Before starting the study, a permission from the developer of the tool was secured. Then the tool was forward-backward translated. After preparing the Farsi version of the tool, content validity was confirmed through qualitative and quantitative methods. To examine construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted with participation of 218 and 410 MD, MSc, and PhD students of medical sciences, respectively. To check reliability of the tool, correlation coefficient was used. To examine internal consistency of the tool, Cronbach’s alpha was used. Data analyses were done in SPSS (v.25) and LISREL (v.8). Results The EFA and CFA results revealed eight factors and 39 items. The value of R-square for the model was equal to 0.99, which means 99% of changes in the dependent variable (supervisor-student interaction) is attributed to the independent variable (41 items). That is, 99% of the dependent variable changes is due to the independent variables. The main indices of the model based on factor analyses were supported (0.9<), which indicated goodness of fit of the model (χ2/df = 1.76, CFI, NFI, TLI = 0.98 GFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.043, R-square = 0.99). The significance level for correlation coefficient was below 0.05. Reliability of the tool was supported based on internal correlation (Cronbach’s alpha) equal to 0.943 for the whole tool and in 0.89–0.97 range for the subscales. Conclusion In general, the results showed that the Farsi version of QSDI (eight factors and 39 items) had acceptable and applicable indices and it can be used as a valid tool in different fields for higher education students of medical sciences.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eranthi Weeratunga ◽  
Chandanie Senadheera ◽  
Manjula Hettiarachchi ◽  
Bilesha Perera

Abstract Background Coping strategies are essential in the cancer management/recovery process and show an integral part in patients with cancer globally. In Sri Lanka, validated scales to measure coping are scarce. This study was examined the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE for its psychometric properties. Methods This scale is self-administered (28 items) and consists of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies; divided into 14 subscales. Cancer patients were registered ‘first come - first serve’ basis using their appointment register at the Radiotherapy Unit, Oncology ward, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka. They were requested to complete the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE and demographic details. Test-retest reliability was checked using the same subjects two weeks later. Factorial validity was performed using exploratory factor and principal component analysis. Results were regarded as statistically significant if p < 0.05. Results The mean (±SD) age of the sample was 61(±12) years. The mean adaptive coping (±SD) and maladaptive coping were 37.50 (±8.14) and 17.10 (±2.44) respectively. The internal consistency of the overall scale was good (Cronbach’s alpha - 0.819). Adaptive and maladaptive coping showed a high Cronbach’s alpha (0.861 and 0.396). The test-retest reliability was found to be 0.66. The Sinhala version of BC was found to have a negative correlation with the CES-D scale but was positively correlated with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Seven factors were extracted. Conclusion The Sinhala version of the Brief COPE is a valid and reliable tool to assess coping strategies among patients with cancer. The findings of this study would let the health authorities get an understanding of coping strategies among patients with cancer; and the impact on cancer victims and family members to relieve their suffering.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (8) ◽  
pp. 1317-1325

Background: Kinesiophobia is described as fear of physical movement resulting in painful injury. Older adults with knee osteoarthritis usually suffer from joint pain. Assessment of kinesiophobia is beneficial for prevention of further deterioration in performing activity. Even though, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) has been developed to briefly examine pain related to fear of movement in patients with chronic pain, the TSK-11 Thai version has not been examined for its validity and reliability yet. Objective: To examine psychometric properties of the TSK-11 Thai version. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 200 older people with knee osteoarthritis living in the northeastern part of Thailand was used in the present study. Participants were asked to complete the demographic questionnaire, the TSK-11-Thai version, the numeric rating scale (NRS), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) Thai version. To confirm the TSK-11 Thai version validity, construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to confirm the TSK-11-Thai version’s convergent validities. For internal consistency reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also assessed. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a two-factor model, including somatic factor and activity avoidance, fitted with the data. The TSK11-Thai version was positively correlated with pain catastrophizing. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the total TSK11-Thai version was at 0.77. For subscale, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the TSK somatic factor and activity avoidance were 0.61 and 0.69, respectively. Conclusion: The Thai version of TSK-11 has acceptable validity and reliability. The TSK-11-Thai version is suitable to use to examine pain-related fear of movement in patients with knee osteoarthritis for clinical and research purposes. Keywords: Instrument; Knee osteoarthritis; Older people; Pain-related fear of movement; Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-Thai version; Psychometric properties; Validation


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivaraman Ganesan ◽  
Shital Bhandary ◽  
Mahalakshmy Thulasingam ◽  
Thomas Chacko ◽  
Zayapragassa Rajan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Clinical reasoning is an essential attribute in the teaching, learning, and assessment part of medical education for undergraduates. In using the Script Concordance Test (SCT) to foster clinical reasoning, expert panel members’ responses are initially created. There is no agreement in optimizing the panel members’ responses. Our study aimed to develop and validate an SCT and test the utility of the consensus index and panel response pattern. Methods: The methodology was an evolving pattern of constructing SCTs, administering them to the panel members, optimizing the panel with response pattern and consensus index. The SCT’s final items were chosen to be administered to the students. Item-total correlation and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated from the students’ scores. Results: Our study developed an SCT with 98 items and was administered to 20-panel members. The mean score of the panel members for these 98 items was 79.5 (+/- 4.4 SD). On optimizing with the panel responses, 14 items had a uniform response pattern, and 2 had bimodal response patterns. The consensus index calculated for the 98 item SCT ranged from 25.81 to 100. When the 16 items of bimodal and uniform response pattern were eliminated, the consensus index ranged from 58.65 to 100. We administered this 82 items SCT to 30 undergraduate and ten postgraduate students. The mean score of undergraduate students was 61.1 (+/-7.5 SD), and that of postgraduate students was 67.7 (+/- 6.3 SD), which was statistically significant using an independent t-test. Cronbach’s alpha for this 82 item SCT was 0.74. On analysing the item-total correlation, 22 items had a correlation of less than 0.05. Excluding these 22 poor items, the final SCT instrument of 60 items had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82. Conclusion: The consensus index can also be used to optimize the items for panel responses in SCT. Our study revealed that a consensus index of above 60 had a good item-total correlation with good internal consistency. Our study also revealed that the panel response clustering pattern could also be used to categorize the items though bimodal and uniform distribution patterns need further differentiation.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e034943
Author(s):  
Mohammed B A Sarhan ◽  
Harry S Shannon ◽  
Rika Fujiya ◽  
Masamine Jimba ◽  
Rita Giacaman

ObjectivesHealth literacy research in Palestine is limited, and a locally validated tool for use among adolescents has been unavailable until now. Therefore, this study aimed to adapt health literacy assessment scale for adolescents (HAS-A) into Arabic language (HAS-A-AR) and Palestinian context and to investigate its psychometric properties.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional household survey using a stratified random sample and household face-to-face interviews.Setting and participantsWe conducted 1200 interviews with sixth to ninth graders in the Ramallah and al-Bireh district of the West Bank, Palestine in 2017.MethodsWe translated and adapted HAS-A to be sensitive to the Palestinian context and tested its psychometric properties. We evaluated face and content validity during the back-translation process and checked for construct validity through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). We tested for internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, MacDonald’s omega test and the greatest lower bound (GLB). Furthermore, we calculated the scale’s average inter-item correlation.ResultsEFA revealed that HAS-A-AR has a similar structure to the original HAS-A. It extracted three factors (communication, confusion and functional health literacy) whose eigenvalues were >1. Together they explained 57% of the total variance. The proportions of adolescents with high levels of communication, confusion and functional health literacy were 45%, 68% and 80%, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha, MacDonald’s omega and the GLB values for communication subscale were 0.87, 0.88 and 0.90, and they were 0.78, 0.77 and 0.79 for confusion subscale, while they were 0.77, 0.77 and 0.80, respectively, for functional healthy literacy subscale. The average inter-item correlation for the subscales ranged between 0.36 and 0.59.ConclusionHAS-A-AR is a valid and reliable health literacy measuring instrument with appropriate psychometric properties. HAS-A-AR is currently available for use among adolescents in Palestine and the surrounding Arab countries with similar characteristics as Palestine, including language, culture and political instability.


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