scholarly journals Nature Interest Scale – Development and Evaluation of a Measurement Instrument for Individual Interest in Nature

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Winfried Kleespies ◽  
Lena Doderer ◽  
Paul Wilhelm Dierkes ◽  
Volker Wenzel

Interest is an important factor for successful learning that has been the subject of intensive research for decades. Although interest in nature is of great importance for environmental education, to date there is no valid and reliable measurement tool. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale for interest in nature, the Nature Interest Scale (NIS). In study 1, nine items were selected based on the three dimensions of the psychological interest construct to represent interest in nature. The factor structure of this new measurement instrument, was tested using confirmatory factor analyses. The results show that the instrument represents the three dimensions of the interest construct well. In study 2 the validity (discriminant and convergent validity) as well as the reliability (internal consistency, composite reliability, test-retest reliability) of the NIS were demonstrated. In study 3, the applicability of the NIS was tested with a different target group, students with learning disabilities. The results of this factor analysis also confirm the factor structure of the scale. Thus, this study provides a valid and reliable measurement tool for individual interest in nature that can be used for future research.

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pedro Sobral ◽  
Maria Emília Costa

Abstract. We developed a new instrument designed to measure fear of intimacy in romantic relationships. We suggest assessing fear of intimacy through two dimensions: self-revelation and dependence. The Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ) was validated across three studies in which a 10-item solution systematically emerged. Consistently with a two component perspective, a two-factor solution fitted data the best: fear of losing the self (FLS) and fear of losing the other (FLO). Qualitative analyses verified content validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses tested the factor structure. Multigroup analyses supported the structural invariance across gender, age, and relationship status. Both factors showed adequate discriminant validity and internal consistency, and good 3-week period test-retest reliability. Associations between the FICQ and insecure attachment orientations demonstrated convergent validity. The association between the FICQ and relationship satisfaction above and beyond a preexisting measure offered criterion validity. By going beyond traditional self-revelation-focused conception of fear of intimacy, that is, by proposing a bi-dimensional structure to fear of intimacy, we believe that this new measure will contribute to future research on fear of intimacy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mickeal Pugh ◽  
Paul B. Perrin ◽  
Jack D. Watson ◽  
Duygu Kuzu ◽  
Carmen Tyler ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) caregivers, particularly in Latin America, may experience high levels of affiliate stigma due to their association with a person having a disability. The most common measure used of this construct in the literature, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, was validated using non-standard and questionable methods. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Affiliate Stigma Scale with PD caregivers in Mexico using more widely accepted psychometric approaches including confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) and exploratory factor analyses (EFAs)). METHODS: A sample of 148 PD caregivers from Mexico completed this measure, as well as indices of caregiver burden and anxiety. RESULTS: Initial CFAs revealed that the data did not fit either the originally proposed one-factor or three-factor structures. An EFA was then conducted which was unable to discern any factor structure. Upon instituting a stepwise removal alpha-if-item-deleted process, a 5-item Affiliate Stigma Scale Spanish Short Form was retained with an adequate Cronbach’s alpha, good convergent validity, and a Short Form CFA generally indicating adequate fit. CONCLUSIONS: The new Spanish Affiliate Stigma Scale Short Form holds promise for more appropriately measuring affiliate stigma likely in general but particularly in Spanish and among PD caregivers. The Short Form can assist not only in assessing levels of caregiver affiliate stigma, but in creating novel interventions to help support caregivers and decrease stigma.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar García-Pérez ◽  
Carmen Rodríguez-Menéndez ◽  
Susana Torío-López ◽  
Sara Rodríguez-Pérez

El control psicológico parental se refiere a los comportamientos de los padres que interfieren con los pensamientos y sentimientos del niño y se caracterizan por el uso excesivo de técnicas de manipulación, como la inducción de culpa o vergüenza y la retirada del afecto. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo validar la versión en español de la Dependency-oriented and Achievement-oriented Psychological Control Scale (DAPCS) (Escala de control psicológico orientado a la dependencia y control psicológico orientado al logro), una nueva medida diseñada para evaluar la percepción del control psicológico de un adolescente. Otro objetivo fue determinar la influencia del control psicológico parental percibido sobre el autoconcepto de los adolescentes. Evaluamos la estructura factorial, la fiabilidad y la validez convergente en una muestra de adolescentes tardíos españoles (N = 310, edad media = 19.75). Los análisis de factores exploratorios y confirmatorios mostraron que la estructura factorial de la escala DAPCS se describe mejor con una solución de 2 factores, tanto para padres como para madres, lo que indica la distinción entre control psicológico orientado a la dependencia y el orientado al logro. Los altos índices de consistencia interna indicaron que la escala DAPCS produjo óptimas puntuaciones. Además, la validez convergente fue confirmada por la correlación entre el DAPCS y otras medidas de control psicológico, así como con otras medidas del análisis de la crianza. La regresión jerárquica también mostró que DAPCS predijo el autoconcepto de los adolescentes tardíos. Los resultados de este estudio indican que la versión en español del DAPCS es un instrumento útil para estudiar ambos tipos de control psicológico. Parental psychological control refers to those parental behaviors that interfere with the child's thoughts and feelings and are characterized by excessive use of manipulative techniques, such as inducing guilt or shame and love-withdrawal. This study was aimed at validating the Spanish version of the Dependency-oriented and Achievement-oriented Psychological Control Scale (DAPCS), a new measure designed to assess an adolescent’s perception of psychological control. Another objective was to determine the influence of perceived parental psychological control on adolescents’ self-concept. We evaluated the factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity in a sample of Spanish late adolescents (N = 310, mean age = 19.75). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the DAPCS factor structure is best described by a 2-factor solution, for both paternal and maternal ratings, indicating the distinction between dependency-oriented and achievement-oriented psychological control. High indices of internal consistency indicated that DAPCS produced reliable scores. Moreover, convergent validity was confirmed by consistent associations between the DAPCS and other measures of psychological control and other parenting dimensions. Hierarchical regression also showed that DAPCS predicted late adolescents’ self-concept. The results of this study indicate that the Spanish version of the DAPCS is a useful instrument for studying both types of psychological control.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Taisheng Cai

The aim of the study was to examine the nature of perfectionism, to gain a better understanding of the construct using the Chinese population. The study also explored the relationships between perfectionism, self-esteem and depression after identifying the three dimensions of perfectionism. A sample of 292 Chinese university students completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), the Hewitt Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HMPS), the Almost Perfect Scale — Revised (APS-R), the Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). As hypothesised, the confirmatory factor analyses revealed that multidimensional perfectionism is explained as a three-factor construct with dimensions of maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism and order factor. As predicted, the structural equation model analyses indicated that self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and depression. Implications for counselling interventions and future research are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-636
Author(s):  
Turgay Alakurt

The purpose of this study was to adapt "Online Privacy Concern Scale" developed by Buchanan, Paine, Joinson and Reips (2007) to Turkish culture. The original version of the scale was composed of 16 items gathered under a one-factor structure. During the translation process, expert opinions were taken for the language validity. The scale was pre-administered to 40 participants to pursue linguistic equality. To determine the validity and reliability evidence of the scale, it was administered to two separate groups consisting of adult Internet users. In order to examine and confirm the scale structure, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted. After eliminating two items, EFA showed that the scale had a three-factor structure (email usage, online trust and online payment) in Turkish culture. The Cronbach's Alpha internal consistency of the whole scale was .89. In addition, CFA verified the three-factor solution. The results of the current study confirmed that the Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the assessment of online privacy concern of adult Internet users.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 745-763
Author(s):  
Khahan Na-Nan ◽  
Peerapong Pukkeeree ◽  
Ekkasit Sanamthong ◽  
Natthaya Wongsuwan ◽  
Auemporn Dhienhirun

Purpose Counterproductive work behaviour (CWB) is a type of behaviour of an individual that works against an organisation or employer, and he/she is usually discretionary (i.e. individuals make conscious choices as to whether they want to commit aberrant work behaviour). To deal with CWB in different contexts, organisations need to both understand and continually measure their employees in terms of behaviour and work. This study aims to develop an instrument to measure CWB for small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in three stages to develop a measurement scale for CWB. First, 27 questions were developed as a questionnaire based on concepts and theories of CWB and then verified using exploratory factor analysis with three CWB dimensions, namely “poor behaviour”, “misuse of organisational resources” and “inappropriate communication”. The questionnaire surveyed a total of 386 individuals working in SMEs. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and convergent validity were examined following the three CWB dimensions. Findings Three dimensions were developed to measure CWB, including aspects of poor behaviour, misuse of organisational resources and inappropriate communication. Practical implications The CWB questionnaire has practical use for assessing employee behaviour and can assist organisations and practitioners to better understand the CWB of employees. This know-how will help practitioners to assess employee behaviour and can be used to manage or develop this into good behaviour as valued members of the organisation. Originality/value The validity of the CWB questionnaire questions will facilitate the future research on the boundaries with CWB assessments spanning different SMEs contexts. Empirical study results validated that CWB measurement offered new perspectives to explore vital employee behavioural deviation that are necessary for the inspection employee behavioural deviation. This instrumental support will also help researchers to effectively understand CWB and explore its potential in future studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1734
Author(s):  
Andrea Lučić

The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainable marketing orientation (SMO) should be properly implemented in an organization built on the theoretical model of market-oriented sustainability. The aim of the paper is to explore and confirm the elements of sustainable marketing orientation and to develop a measurement tool with a mixed method approach. First, the construct was conceptualized through a literature review and qualitative research of in-depth interviews on a purposive sample of 20 experts, who generated items. The next stage included collection of data from 112 respondents that resulted the item purification and exploratory factor analysis, which confirmed the three dimensions of SMO: strategic integration, societal engagement and ethical capabilities. The main study consisted of 174 respondents and confirmed the measurement instrument, which contains three subscales proposed by the theoretical model, each containing six, five and four items, respectively, with high degrees of proven reliability and validity. The paper confirmed and further explored the framework of multidimensional SMO; the measurement tool captured the actual implementation of the construct in practice, allowing it to be investigated across industries.


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Gabriele Baudson ◽  
Franzis Preckel

Background: Currently, no recently normed group intelligence test for primary school children is available in Germany to cover verbal, numerical, and figural reasoning abilities. Furthermore, no test for this age group is difficult enough to be able to differentiate especially at the upper end of the intelligence distribution. Aims: The Test for (Highly) Intelligent Kids – T(H)INK was developed to fill this gap. Methods: A total of 1,629 children from grades 1 to 3 of primary school took the 36-item test (one version per class level). Results: At all three class levels, the test proved sufficiently reliable (Cronbach’s α = .73–.80 for the full scale). Retest reliabilities after 1 year, assessed for a random subsample, ranged from .61 to .73. Factorial validity was established by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with a g factor explaining 57.61–63.67% of the variance. Furthermore, convergent validity (correlations with a nonverbal intelligence test, teacher and parent ratings, grades, and the probability for the child to be nominated for a gifted and talented program) was satisfying, as was the predictive validity for average marks a year later. Discussion: Implications of the findings and ideas for future research and development of the test are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 560-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Hoese Addae ◽  
Michael Brown ◽  
Xu Sun ◽  
Dave Towey ◽  
Milena Radenkovic

Purpose This paper presents an initial development of a personal data attitude (PDA) measurement instrument based on established psychometric principles. The aim of the research was to develop a reliable measurement scale for quantifying and comparing attitudes towards personal data that can be incorporated into cybersecurity behavioural research models. Such a scale has become necessary for understanding individuals’ attitudes towards specific sets of data, as more technologies are being designed to harvest, collate, share and analyse personal data. Design/methodology/approach An initial set of 34 five-point Likert-style items were developed with eight subscales and administered to participants online. The data collected were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and MANOVA. The results are consistent with the multidimensionality of attitude theories and suggest that the adopted methodology for the study is appropriate for future research with a more representative sample. Findings Factor analysis of 247 responses identified six constructs of individuals’ attitude towards personal data: protective behaviour, privacy concerns, cost-benefit, awareness, responsibility and security. This paper illustrates how the PDA scale can be a useful guide for information security research and design by briefly discussing the factor structure of the PDA and related results. Originality/value This study addresses a genuine gap in research by taking the first step towards establishing empirical evidence for dimensions underlying personal data attitudes. It also adds a significant benchmark to a growing body of literature on understanding and modelling computer users’ security behaviours.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Angel Soto ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Anna Salomaa ◽  
Jasmine A. Mena ◽  
Natalia Van Doren ◽  
...  

Diversity climate is associated with numerous outcomes across psychological, physical, and occupational domains. The Diversity Climate Scale (DCS) was created to measure diversity climate perceptions among individuals with diverse and complex social identities, with a range of importance ascribed to those identities, and across diverse contexts (proximal and distal environments). The DCS was constructed and examined across four separate studies. Study 1 presents the development of the scale, preliminary factor structure, and convergent validity. Studies 2 and 3 confirmed the factor structure of the DCS and established the convergent and divergent validity with increasingly generalizable samples. Study 4 extended these analyses with a community sample, examined the predictive validity of the measure, and demonstrated that favorable proximal and distal diversity climate differed significantly across groups with different constellations of marginalized identities and differences in the importance ascribed to those identities. When controlling for lifetime discrimination, perceiving a more positive proximal climate was consistently associated with decreased depressive symptoms and increased life satisfaction, while perceptions of distal climate interacted with proximal climate and discrimination to predict depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Applications of the DCS and considerations for future research are discussed.


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