scholarly journals Can We Compare Solidarity Across Europe? What, Why, When, and How to Assess Exact and Approximate Equivalence of First- and Second-Order Factor Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Lomazzi
Keyword(s):  
Factor Model ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Alignment Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Political Values ◽  
First Order ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
European Values ◽  
Order Factor

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.

scholarly journals Examining the Impostor-Profile—Is There a General Impostor Characteristic?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Ibrahim ◽  
Johann-Christoph Münscher ◽  
Philipp Yorck Herzberg
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Order Model ◽  
First Order ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Best Fit

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.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory in Ecuador

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5834
Author(s):  
María Pilar Aparicio-Flores ◽  
María Vicent ◽  
Ricardo Sanmartín ◽  
Carolina Gonzálvez ◽  
Roberto Ovidio Freire-Andino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Order ◽  
Automatic Thoughts ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
First Order ◽  
Interpersonal Difficulties ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Spanish Model

Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs) are currently being studied due to their association with maladaptive variables. This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) in a sample of Ecuadorian undergraduates as well as to analyze latent mean differences across sex. The sample was composed by 3060 undergraduates (Mage = 22.7, SD = 2.46). The Spanish model of the PCI composed by 17 items divided into three first-order dimensions (perfectionistic concerns, strivings, and demands) and a second-order factor was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptable levels of reliability and factorial invariance across sex were observed. Higher latent mean scores for males in comparison with females in the second-order factor of the PCI were found. The three dimensions of the PCI significantly and positively correlated with interpersonal difficulties. Overall, results demonstrate that the Spanish version of the PCI is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate PATs in Ecuadorian undergraduates.

Challenging the Multidimensional Conception of Perceived Person-Environment Fit

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Julian M. Etzel ◽  
Gabriel Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
University Students ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Substantial Proportion ◽  
Unique Variance ◽  
First Order ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
Order Factor

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.

Underlying Common Factors of Adolescent Problem Behaviors

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lening Zhang ◽  
John W. Welte ◽  
William F. Wieczorek
Keyword(s):  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
First Order ◽  
Adolescent Problem Behaviors ◽  
The Common ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Second Order Factor Analysis

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.

Die persoonlikheidsprofiel van suksesvolle bewakingsdienspersoneel

1996 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Nell ◽  
L. Kamfer ◽  
R. P. Van Der Merwe ◽  
D. J. L. Venter
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
South African ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Stepwise Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Personality Profile ◽  
First Order ◽  
Correctional Services ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Independent Criterion ◽  
Better Than

The personality profile of successful prison warders. In an attempt to develop a personality profile for successful prison warders, scores on CattelFs 16-PF (SA92-form) were obtained from 361 warders employed by the South African Department of Correctional Services. Independent criterion information (tempo of promotion) was also obtained and used as indicator of job success. Using Hotelling's T2, it was found that the first order factor profiles of successful and unsuccessful warders differed significantly. There was no difference in their second order profiles. By means of stepwise discriminant analysis with personality as independent and success (expressed as a dichotomy) as the dependant variable, four first order factors were identified and formulae derived which predicted 14,8 better than chance whether a warder would be correctly classified as successful or not on the dichotomous success criterion. Opsomming In 'n poging om 'n persoonlikheidsprofiel vir suksesvolle bewakingsdienspersoneel saam te stel, is response op Cattell se 16-PF (SA92-vorm) vanaf 361 bewakingsdienspersoneellede werksaam by die Suid-Afrikaanse Departement van Korrektiewe Dienste, verkry. Inligting in terme van onafhanklike kriterium (tempo van bevordering) is ook verkry en gebruik as aanduiding van werksukses. Deur die gebruik van Hotelling se T2 is bepaal dat die ecrsteorde profiele van suksesvolle en onsuksesvolle bewakingsdienslede beduidend van mekaar verskil. Daar is geen beduidende verskil ten opsigte van die tweedeorde profiele gevind nie. Deur middel van stapsgewyse diskriminantontleding, met persoonlikheid as onafhanklike en sukses (uitgedruk as 'n digotomie) as afhanklike veranderlike, is vier eersteorde faktore geidentifiseer en formules saamgestel wat 14,8 beter as toeval kan voorspel of "n persoon suksesvol of onsuksesvol volgens die digotomiese sukseskriterium sal wees.

An Assessment of the Dimensionality of Three SAT-Verbal Test Editions

1988 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda L. Cook ◽  
Neil J. Dorans ◽  
Daniel R. Eignor
Keyword(s):  
Second Order ◽  
Statistical Dependence ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Correlation Matrices ◽  
First Order ◽  
Irt Models ◽  
Verbal Test ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Item Scores ◽  
Effective Dimensionality

A strong assumption made by most commonly used item response theory (IRT) models is that the data are unidimensional, that is, statistical dependence among item scores can be explained by a single ability dimension. First-order and second-order factor analyses were conducted on correlation matrices among item parcels of SAT-Verbal items. The item parcels were constructed to yield correlation matrices that were amenable to linear factor analyses. The first-order analyses were employed to assess the effective dimensionality of the item parcel data. Second-order analyses were employed to test meaningful hypotheses about the structure of the data. Parcels were constructed for three SAT-Verbal editions. The dimensionality analyses revealed that one SAT-Verbal test edition was less parallel to the other two editions than these other editions were to each other. Refinements in the dimensionality methodology and a more systematic dimensionality assessment are logical extensions of the present research.

Measurement invariance of second-order factor model of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) across K-12 principal gender

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 727-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihua Xu ◽  
Zane Wubbena ◽  
Trae Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Transactional Leadership ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Factor Models ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Behaviour ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
K 12

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factor structure and the measurement invariance of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) across gender of K-12 school principals (n=6,317) in the USA. Design/methodology/approach Nine first-order factor models and four second-order factor models were tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The results suggested that the nine-factor model provided the best fit for the data. Further examination revealed that most constructs lacked convergent validity and discriminant validity. Second-order factor models were tested and the hierarchical model with two higher order factors (i.e. transformational and transactional leadership) was deemed the best fit and it was then tested for measurement invariance between females and males. The measurement model was found to be invariant across gender. Findings suggested that female school principals demonstrated significantly greater transformational leadership behaviour, while male school principals demonstrated significantly greater transactional leadership behaviour. Originality/value This study addressed construct and factor issues previously associated with the MLQ in the measurement of transformational and transactional leadership among a variety of organizations. By using a sample of K-12 school principals across gender, this study has provided support that may ameliorate contextual doubts of transformational leadership behaviour when examining the relational aspects needed to improve schools.

Factor Structure of the Research Training Environment Scale-Revised:

1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey H. Kahn ◽  
Charles J. Gelso
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Environment Scale ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Research Training Environment ◽  
Interpersonal Dimension

The factor structure of the Research Training Environment Scale-Revised was examined in a sample of 270 graduate students in counseling psychology. This confirmatory factor analysis assessed the fit of a nine-factor model corresponding to the respective subscales on the measure, as well as the fit of a second-order factor structure suggested by an exploratory factor analysis of data. The second-order factor structure fit very well when conducted on manifest (i.e., observed) subscale total scores; the results were more ambiguous when first-order latent factors were included in the factor structure. The analyses suggested that an instructional dimension and an interpersonal dimension are global factors of the research training environment.

Toward Understanding Trust: A Response to Adams and Miskell

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa S. Romero ◽  
Douglas E. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Educational Administration ◽  
Successful Schools ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Multifactor Model ◽  
First Order ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Teacher Trust ◽  
District Administration ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose: Trust is a key component of successful schools. Although scholars widely agree that trust is multifaceted, there is less agreement about the number and nature of these factors. In the October 2016 issue of Educational Administration Quarterly, C. M. Adams and Miskell argued that their Teacher Trust of District Administration Scale provided evidence that trust is a single factor that cannot be unpacked, and that our three-factor theory of trust, which asserts that trust involves the discernment of benevolence, competence, and integrity, is invalid. We find multiple conceptual and methodological flaws in their reasoning. Method/Approach: We analyze data provided by C. M. Adams and Miskell that were used in their original 2016 article. The data set includes responses from 606 teachers in 72 schools to the 10 survey questions that comprise the Teacher Trust of District Administration Scale. We reproduce and critique the results of four models presented, and corrected, by C. M. Adams and Miskell, and present an alternative second-order model of trust with three first-order factors representing benevolence, competence, and integrity. Findings and Implications: Consistent with theory, we find that trust is more appropriately modeled as a multifactor construct. A multifactor model of trust is not merely an advance in measurement, it has important, actionable implications for research and practice. Measuring trust as a second-order factor, with first-order factors benevolence, competence, and integrity, positions us to make more nuanced judgements about trust, more easily diagnose problems, and prescribe interventions needed to develop, maintain, or repair trust in schools.

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