scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN INSTRUMENT MEASURING ANXIETY TOWARD BIOLOGY LABORATORY CLASSES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 802-808
Author(s):  
Namudar İzzet Kurbanoğlu

University students’ achievements in biology laboratory do not depend only on cognitive variables, but also on non-cognitive variables such as anxiety levels. The aim of this study was to develop a measurement tool assessing the anxiety levels of university students in a biology laboratory class. In this study, the Biology Laboratory Anxiety Scale (B-LAS) consisting of 15 items was developed, and analysed its validity and reliability. All items are positively worded to indicate increased anxiety. The sample consisted of 685 science teacher candidates (450 female and 235 male) who take Biology and/or Biology laboratory classes at three different Faculties of Education. The validity of the scale was first assessed by expert review. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess structural validity, and revealed a one-dimensional structure. The loading values of all 15 items varied between 0.61 and 0.80, and explained 53% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as 0.93 and the split-half test correlation was 0.85. According to these results B-LAS can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in science education. Key words: biology laboratory, anxiety, reliability and validity, university students.

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namudar İzzet Kurbanoğlu ◽  
Ahmet Akın

University students’ achievements in organic chemistry depend on cognitive variables. In addition, non-cognitive variables such as anxiety levels also have an impact on students’ organic chemistry achievements. The aim of this study was to develop a measurement tool assessing the anxiety levels of university students in organic chemistry lessons. In this study, the Organic Chemistry Anxiety Scale (O-CAS) consisting of 24 items was developed, its validity and reliability was analysed. All the items are positively worded to indicate increased anxiety. Factor analytic evidence from a sample (n=340) of university organic chemistry students indicated that the O-CAS measured three constructs. Additional analysis with a second sample (n=297) showed that scores on these anxiety constructs were internally consistent, with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 and were 0.95 for the overall scale. Further, the result of analysis of the third sample (n=195) indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between organic chemistry anxiety and organic chemistry achievement of students. According to these results, the O-CAS can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in chemistry education. Key words: anxiety, chemistry education, organic chemistry, reliability, and validity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-598
Author(s):  
Namudar İzzet Kurbanoğlu ◽  
Mithat Takunyacı

The learning in the physics laboratory is related to several non-cognitive variables such as anxiety which has a significant role in teaching and learning process. Therefore, university students may have different thoughts and anxiety levels towards physics laboratory class. The aim of this research was to develop a measurement tool assessing the anxiety levels of university students in a physics laboratory class. In this research the Physics Laboratory Anxiety Scale (P-LAS) consisting of 18 items was developed, and its validity and reliability were analysed. The sample consisted of 557 university students (295 female and 262 male) who take physics and/or physics laboratory classes at three different Faculties of Education. Validity of the scale was first assessed by expert review. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess structural validity, and revealed a one-dimensional structure. The loading values of all 18 items varied between 0.58 and 0.80, and explained 52% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as 0.94 and the split-half test correlation was 0.76. These results showed that P-LAS can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in physics education. Keywords: physics education, physics laboratory anxiety, scale validity and reliability, university students.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-95
Author(s):  
Ayşe Eliüşük Bülbül

The aim of this study is to determine whether the Happiness Fear Scale (FHS) developed by Joshanloo and Weijers (2014) is suitable for Turkish culture. For this purpose, validity and reliability of the scale were examined. The study consisted of 180 university students, 87 male and 23 female. The linguistic equivalence of the scale was made by translators and experts in psychological counseling and guidance. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Similar Scale Validity, Cronbach Alpha Internal Consistency and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used in the analysis of the factor analysis of the scale. The scale presents a one-dimensional structure and accounts for 65% of the total variance. The item total correlation scores ranged from .60 to .72. The one-dimensional structure of the scale was well matched by the model (RMSEA = .06, AGFI = 0.92, NFI = .98, GFI = 0.9, CFI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, RFI = .95, and SRMR = .03). The internal consistency coefficient was found .86. From here it is possible to say that this scale is a reliable and valid measuring instrument suitable for Turkish culture.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-152
Author(s):  
Hyun Mee Cho ◽  
Jeong Won Han ◽  
Eun Joung Choi ◽  
Hyo Eun Jeong ◽  
Bo Ram Hong ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo establish basic data for identifying the level of mental health care competency of general nurses through verification of the reliability and validity of Competency Assessment Tool-Mental Health in the development of a measurement tool for mental health care competency in Korea.MethodsThis study was conducted on nurses working at general wards, excluding those working at the Department of Psychiatry, in five hospitals with 200 beds or more located in Korea. Content, construct, concurrent validity, and internal consistency of the measurement were confirmed.ResultsAs a result of the construct validity, the section on importance of skills and knowledge for mental health care had 21 items, whereas the section on benefits of additional education had 22 items. The internal consistency of measurement was confirmed as follows: Cronbach's α = 0.96 for the section on importance and 0.96 for the section on benefits section.ConclusionsThis study verified the high validity and reliability of the tool in assessing the mental health care competency of nurses, and it is believed to be significant as basic data for enhancing such competency.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Arzu Araz ◽  
Duygu Güngör ◽  
Eda Aşçı

Background: The present study investigates the reliability and validity of the Positive–Negative Relationship Quality (PN-RQ) scale in Turkey. This study aims to test different factorial models including orthogonal factors model, correlated factors model, one-factor model, and bifactor model. Methods: In order to determine the validity and reliability of the scale, two studies were performed. The first was carried out with emerging adults (university students) who were in a romantic relationship (148 females, 43 males, and 2 unknown) and had the main purpose to examine the structure validity of the measurement tool in the Turkish sample with an exploratory analysis. Study 2 was performed online with 513 married adults (359 females, 149 males, and 5 unknown); confirmatory findings and criterion validity studies were added. Results: Exploratory factor analyses revealed that relationship quality had a two-factor structure and that there was also a negative relationship between the factors. Confirmatory factor analyses on the married sample showed that the bi-factor model provided evidence for the multidimensional nature of the scale. Both studies demonstrated high internal consistency. Conclusion: There is evidence for reliability and validity in the Turkish version of the PN-RQ scale to measure both positive and negative aspects of the relationship. The PN-RQ scale will be highly functional for social and clinical psychologists who work on close relationship issues in Turkey.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilknur Aydin Avci ◽  
Busra Altinel

This study aimed to create a measurement tool for the determination of university students’ health beliefs about testicular cancer (TC) and self-examination. This is a methodological and cross-sectional study. The study sample included 425 university students. Consents and approvals were obtained from the relevant institutions and the ethics committee prior to the research. The data were collected using an interview form that included questions about descriptive characteristics, family history of TC, and knowledge, beliefs, and practice of self-examination. The health belief model including 41 questions about self-examination and the interview form were administered to the students in their classrooms at a suitable time. Principal components analysis and varimax rotation were used for the examination of the structures of the factors. Accordingly, factor patterns, self-values, and the variance percentages they explained were evaluated. The average age of the participants is 22.2 ± 2.3 (min = 17; max = 40). Of them, 98.8% of the participants are single ( n = 420). Of them, 56.2% have heard about TC before, and 18.4% said they were informed about TC. Factor loading of the items in the first factor was 0.64 to 0.89, while it was 0.48 to 0.75 for the items in the second factor, 0.50 to 0.87 for the items in the third factor, 0.37 to 0.68 for the items in the fourth factor, 0.51 to 0.68 for the items in the fifth factor, and 0.65 to 0.79 for the items in the sixth factor. The health belief model scale may be used in TC screenings for males to measure susceptibility, seriousness, health motivation, barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy.


2020 ◽  
pp. JNM-D-19-00107
Author(s):  
Nabeel Al-Yateem ◽  
Intima Alrimawi ◽  
Randa Fakhry ◽  
Arwa AlShujairi ◽  
Syed Azizur Rahman ◽  
...  

Background and purposeApplying strategies that improve sense of coherence (SOC) may positively affect adolescents’ wellbeing. This may be particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions. Therefore, having a valid measurement tool for SOC is important. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the SOC questionnaire (A-SOC). Secondary objectives were to establish baseline data on SOC levels in a population of adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional correlational design.ResultsThe A-SOC was found to be a valid tool, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75. The mean A-SOC score in the study sample was 57.38.ConclusionsFollowing an initial assessment of children’s SOC, healthcare professionals could implement strategies that improve SOC for this population, thereby improving their general wellbeing.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
hossein emari

Purpose – This study aims to propose a new construct – prodigality and develop a measurement scale to support the construct. Design/methodology/approach – Combining the paradigms of Churchill, Malhotra and Birks, the item generation and content validity yielded the development of a modified scale. Three main steps in assessment of the scale: dimensional structure, reliability and validity led to the development of a prodigality scale. A total of 32 items were generated, through assessing Qur’anic verses that are related to Muslim consumption patterns linked to in Islam. Findings – In total, 23 items remained after content validity. A pre-test using exploratory factor analysis on the 23-item scale created a two-factor scale. According to extracted validity and reliability scores, prodigality scale was statistically supported. A pool of nine items is proposed for the eventual measurement of the prodigality. Research limitations/implications – The proposed measurement scale warrants further exploratory study. Future research should assess the validity across different Muslim geographies and Islamic schools of thought and practice. Originality/value – Prodigality is proposed as a new construct that focuses primarily on the Qur’an and seeks to achieve relevance and acceptance by both Sunni and Shia denominations. The measurement scale is believed to extend the existing body of literature and contribute new knowledge on Muslim consumption.


Machiavvellianism is a personality trait which includes insincerity, callaousness and dishonesty. Although it was mainly studied by the literature of Psychopathology for a long time, Machiavvellianism is accepted as a trait which ordinary people has or must have, especially in competetive and extremely individualistic systems. Therefore this concept must also be studied in normal populations. Accordingly, the main aim of this research was to test the reliability and validity of Kiddie Mach (Christie, & Geis, 1970) in a Turkish speaking adolescent sample. A total of 471 adolescents (242 female, 225 male, 4 missing) were recruited for the study. The age range of the sample was 15-17 (Mean= 16.7, SD=.61). Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses indicated that scale had two dimensions. Two different analyzes were conducted to test the construct validity. First the extreme scores were compared for each subscale with t-test. The results showed that the mean differences between the upper and lower groups were significant. Second, Pearson Correlational Coefficients were analyzed between the Machiavvellianism total score which was formed as a sum of two subdimentions and narcissism, traditional ve cyberbullying, callaousness ve prosocial behaviors. All correlations were significant in expected directions. Allover results indicated that Machiavvellianism Scale was a reliable and valid measurement tool among Turkish speaking adolescents. Keywords: Machiavvellianism, Narcissism, Callaousness, Prosocial Behaviors, Adolescents


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 2701-2722
Author(s):  
Mukaddes YEŞİLKAYA ◽  
Gökhan KERSE

The aim of this research is to bring the concept of Self-Expectation for Organizational Improvement” (SEOI) to the field of organizational psychology and to develop a measurement tool by forming the theoretical-empirical background of this concept. In the study, firstly, the theoretical framework related to the concept of SEOI was established and the concept of SEOI defined as follows; independent of the planned actions of the organization management, self-expectations that the individual has designed completely in his/her own mind and that there will be positive improvements and developments within himself/herself, with the individuals around him/her, and in the organization. Subsequently, a pool of items was created in accordance with the theoretical framework, a draft scale was obtained and a pilot study was conducted with 87 employees to determine the validity and reliability of this draft scale. In the analysis, a two-factor structure was obtained from the draft scale and it was found that this structure met the reliability and validity criteria. This factor structure was then tested on the main sample of 274 employees. All findings of the statistical analyses on the data obtained from the pilot study and the main sample showed that the developed scale had scientific validity and reliability and the scale was sufficient to be used in scientific researches.


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