scholarly journals Examining the Factor Structure of a Risk Assessment Inventory in Young Offenders: FER-R, Risk and Resource Assessment Form

Author(s):  
Paula Alarcón ◽  
Ricardo Pérez-Luco ◽  
Sergio Chesta ◽  
Lorena Wenger ◽  
Andrés Concha-Salgado ◽  
...  

The FER-R, Risk and Resource Assessment Form, is a multidimensional inventory of structured professional judgment that assesses criminogenic risks and resources for the design and management of individualized intervention plans with criminally sanctioned adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the FER-R, reviewing its factorial structure to contribute evidence of convergent and discriminant construct validity in a sample of adolescents sentenced for crimes in Chile. For each domain (risks and resources) with its respective facets, a unidimensional bifactor structure (CFA-BF) was obtained, with adequate indices of fit that confirmed its construct validity, while the convergent validity was demonstrated with the YLS/CMI and the divergent validity with two MACI scales. The FER-R adds factorial validity to the evidence of the previously reported predictive validity, making it a robust inventory for the evaluation of young offenders, and a relevant tool to manage differentiated interventions in Chile, with a high potential for use in Latin America. The importance of finding a suitable balance in assessing risks and protective factors is discussed, in order to manage interventions adjusted to the needs of the adolescents to promote their criminal desistance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek Mahmood ◽  
Minhaj Rahim Choudhury ◽  
Md Nazrul Islam ◽  
Syed Atiqul Haq ◽  
Md Abu Shahin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study was focused on translation and cultural adaptation of the English Lequesne Algofunctional index (LAI) into Bengali for patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) and testing reliability and validity of the Bengali version of the LAI. Methods This study was carried out in the Department of Rheumatology, BSM Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Using the forward–backward method the English LAI was translated into Bengali including cultural adaptation. For pretesting, A sample of 40 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were screened using the Bengali version of LAI. Following the pretest, 130 consecutive patients with symptomatic knee OA completed the interviewer administered Bengali LAI, the validated Bengali version of SF-36, Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, Distance Walked and Activities of Daily Living. For the retest 60 randomly selected patients from the cohort were administered the Bengali LAI 7 days later. An item by item analysis was performed. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, test–retest reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa coefficient, construct validity was measured using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results It took 3.25 ± 0.71 min to complete the Bengali LAI and the mean score was 9.23 ± 4.58. For the Bengali LAI Cronbach’s alpha score was 0.88, test–retest reliability assessed by ICC was 0.97. For construct validity, excellent convergent validity was achieved (ρ = 0.93) but the divergent validity was moderate (ρ = 0.43). Conclusions The Bengali LAI showed excellent convergent validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability, only the divergent validity was moderate. So, the Bengali LAI can be applied as a HRQoL assessment tool for primary knee OA patients.


Author(s):  
Renier Steyn

Background: The entrepreneurial climate in organisations is often seen as an important antecedent to innovation and organisational success. Assessing the nature of the climate in a reliable and valid manner is essential, as this will guide the implementation of appropriate interventions where necessary as well as assessing the effects of such interventions.Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a measure of entrepreneurial climate. Entrepreneurial climate was measured using a shortened version of the Hornsby, Kuratko and Zahra (2002) instrument, called the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI). Making information on the psychometric properties of the instrument available directly relates to its utility.Setting: The setting was medium to large South African companies. A random sample of employees was drawn from 53 selected companies across South Africa, with 60 respondents per company (N = 3 180).Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Several instruments were administered, including the shortened version of the CEAI. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for reliability and several methods were used to test for validity. Correlation analysis was used to test for concurrent validity, convergent validity and divergent validity. Principle component factor analysis was used to test for factorial validity and a t-test to test for known-group validity.Results: The results showed that the reliability for the total score of the shortened version of the CEAI was acceptable at 0.758. The results also showed some evidence of concurrent validity, as well as homogeneity among the items. With regard to factorial validity, all items loaded in accordance with the subscales of the instrument. The measure was able to distinguish, as expected, between government organisations and private business entities, suggesting known-group validity. Convergent validity and divergent validity were also assessed. Interesting to note was that entrepreneurship climate correlates more with general employee attitude (e.g. employee engagement; R= 0.420, p < 0.001 and organisational commitment, R = 0.331, p < 0.001) than with self-reported innovation (R = 0.277, p < 0.001 and R = 0.267, p < 0.001).Contribution: This paper not only provided information on the reliability and validity of the shortened version of the CEAI in the South African context but also provides norms to be used when researchers or consultants work with smaller groups. Recommendations on the appropriate use of the instrument are offered and this contributes to the responsible use of the instrument.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.A. Arrindell ◽  
Alma Akkerman ◽  
Nuri Bagés ◽  
Lya Feldman ◽  
Vicente E. Caballo ◽  
...  

Abstract. The short(s)-EMBU (Swedish acronym for Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran [My memories of upbringing]) consists of 23 items, is based on the early 81-item EMBU, and was developed out of the necessity of having a brief measure of perceived parental rearing practices when the clinical and/or research context does not adequately permit application of time-consuming test batteries. The s-EMBU comprises three subscales: Rejection, Emotional Warmth, and (Over)Protection. The factorial and/or construct validity and reliability of the s-EMBU were examined in samples comprising a total of 1950 students from Australia, Spain, and Venezuela. The data were presented for the three national groups separately. Findings confirmed the cross-national validity of the factorial structure underlying the s-EMBU. Rejection by fathers and mothers was consistently associated with high trait-neuroticism and low self-esteem in recipients of both sexes in each nation, as was high parental emotional warmth with high femininity (humility). The findings on factorial validity are in keeping with previous ones obtained in East Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, and Sweden. The s-EMBU is again recommended for use in several different countries as a reliable, functional equivalent to the original 81-item EMBU.


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Rowold ◽  
Martin Kersting

This paper examines the psychometric properties of a German version of the Conger-Kanungo Scale (CKS) of charismatic leadership, and compares charismatic leadership with the two leadership paradigms that have dominated theory and practice to date: the transformational/transactional paradigm and the consideration/initiating structure paradigm. An empirical study (N = 404) was conducted to explore aspects of reliability and validity of the CKS. In terms of construct validity, it was demonstrated that the translated instrument had adequate factorial validity. In addition, charismatic leadership measured in terms of the CKS showed convergent validity with respect to both transformational and transactional leadership and initiating structure, and divergent validity with respect to laissez-faire and consideration. In sum, the results contribute to leadership theory (e.g., comparing and contrasting several leadership theories) and practice.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1825-1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís Moreira São João ◽  
Roberta Cunha Matheus Rodrigues ◽  
Maria Cecília Bueno Jayme Gallani ◽  
Cinthya Tamie Passos Miura ◽  
Gabriela de Barros Leite Domingues ◽  
...  

This study provides evidence of construct validity for the Brazilian version of the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ), a 1-item instrument used among 236 participants referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (Baecke-HPA) was used to evaluate convergent and divergent validity. The self-reported measure of walking (QCAF) evaluated the convergent validity. Cardiorespiratory fitness assessed convergent validity by the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ), peak measured (VO2peak) and maximum predicted (VO2pred) oxygen uptake. Partial adjusted correlation coefficients between the GSLTPAQ, Baecke-HPA, QCAF, VO2pred and VSAQ provided evidence for convergent validity; while divergent validity was supported by the absence of correlations between the GSLTPAQ and the Occupational Physical Activity domain (Baecke-HPA). The GSLTPAQ presents level 3 of evidence of construct validity and may be useful to assess leisure-time physical activity among patients with cardiovascular disease and healthy individuals.


1996 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Perugini ◽  
Luigi Leone

The aim of this contribution is to present a new short adjective-based measure of the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality, the Short Adjectives Checklist of BIg Five (SACBIF). We present the various steps of the construction and the validation of this instrument. First, 50 adjectives were selected with a selection procedure, the “Lining Up Technique” (LUT), specifically used to identify the best factorial markers of the FFM. Then, the factorial structure and the psychometric properties of the SACBIF were investigated. Finally, the SACBIF factorial structure was correlated with some main measures of the FFM to establish its construct validity and with some other personality dimensions to investigate how well these dimensions could be represented in the SACBIF factorial space.


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Di Riso ◽  
Daphne Chessa ◽  
Andrea Bobbio ◽  
Adriana Lis

The factorial structure of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS; Spence, 1997 ) was examined in a community sample of 1,397 Italian children from 8 to 10 years old. Sex and age differences as regards anxiety symptoms were also analyzed. The convergent validity of the SCAS was explored through correlations with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 1997 ). The use of confirmatory factor analysis supported the six correlated factor model of the SCAS with only minor differences compared to the original work by Spence (1997 ), and it was therefore named SCAS-it. Modifications to the original SCAS were supported by methodologically, theoretically, and culturally based arguments. The internal consistency of the SCAS-it was acceptable. Females displayed significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms than males, while age differences were nonsignificant. Positive correlations were found between the SCAS-it and selected subscales of the SDQ. The results support the SCAS model, with few exceptions that do not threaten the utility of Spence’s tool.


Author(s):  
Marco Fabbri ◽  
Alessia Beracci ◽  
Monica Martoni ◽  
Debora Meneo ◽  
Lorenzo Tonetti ◽  
...  

Sleep quality is an important clinical construct since it is increasingly common for people to complain about poor sleep quality and its impact on daytime functioning. Moreover, poor sleep quality can be an important symptom of many sleep and medical disorders. However, objective measures of sleep quality, such as polysomnography, are not readily available to most clinicians in their daily routine, and are expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for epidemiological and research studies., Several self-report questionnaires have, however, been developed. The present review aims to address their psychometric properties, construct validity, and factorial structure while presenting, comparing, and discussing the measurement properties of these sleep quality questionnaires. A systematic literature search, from 2008 to 2020, was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus, with predefined search terms. In total, 49 articles were analyzed from the 5734 articles found. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the following are reported: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), SLEEP-50 Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). As the most frequently used subjective measurement of sleep quality, the PSQI reported good internal reliability and validity; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples, casting doubt on the usefulness of total score in detecting poor and good sleepers. The sleep disorder scales (AIS, ISI, MSQ, JSS, LSEQ and SLEEP-50) reported good psychometric properties; nevertheless, AIS and ISI reported a variety of factorial models whereas LSEQ and SLEEP-50 appeared to be less useful for epidemiological and research settings due to the length of the questionnaires and their scoring. The MSQ and JSS seemed to be inexpensive and easy to administer, complete, and score, but further validation studies are needed. Finally, the ESS had good internal consistency and construct validity, while the main challenges were in its factorial structure, known-group difference and estimation of reliable cut-offs. Overall, the self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality from different perspectives have good psychometric properties, with high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as convergent/divergent validity with sleep, psychological, and socio-demographic variables. However, a clear definition of the factor model underlying the tools is recommended and reliable cut-off values should be indicated in order for clinicians to discriminate poor and good sleepers.


Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112098561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ard J. Barends ◽  
Reinout E. de Vries ◽  
Mark van Vugt

Research on commercial computer games has demonstrated that in-game behavior is related to the players’ personality profiles. However, this potential has not yet been fully utilized for personality assessments. Hence, we developed an applied (i.e., serious) assessment game to assess the Honesty–Humility personality trait. In two studies, we demonstrate that this game adequately assesses Honesty–Humility. In Study 1 ( N = 116), we demonstrate convergent validity of the assessment game with self-reported Honesty–Humility and divergent validity with the other HEXACO traits and cognitive ability. In Study 2 ( N = 287), we replicate the findings from Study 1, and also demonstrate that the assessment game shows incremental validity—beyond self-reported personality—in the prediction of cheating for financial gain, but not of counterproductive work and unethical behaviors. The findings demonstrate that assessment games are promising tools for personality measurement in applied contexts.


Author(s):  
Mihyeon Seong ◽  
Juyoung Park ◽  
Soojin Chung ◽  
Sohyune Sok

This study aimed to develop an instrument for measuring the attitudes that reflect the characteristics of the pandemic (Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)) and verifying its validity and reliability. This study used a methodological research design and was conducted with a development step and an evaluation step. The development step included development of preliminary items, content validity, face validity, and preliminary investigation. The evaluation step included item analysis, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, factor naming, reliability, and completion of the final instrument. The A-PAS developed in this study consisted of a total of 20 items in five dimensions. The internal consistency of 20 items of the A-PAS, Cronbach’s α was 0.92 for 20 items, Cronbach’s α for each factor, a subscale of instrument, was 0.61~0.87 and Raykov’s p coefficient of each factor, which is a subscale of the tool, was found to be 0.60 to 0.88. Analysis of construct validity showed the results as follows: χ2 (p) = 134.05 (p < 0.001), RMSEA = 0.02, RMR = 0.02, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99. The study findings suggest that the developed instrument can be utilized to measure the attitudes of adults toward pandemics, and reflect the reality of the pandemic situation. The outcomes can be used as valuable data for intervention, prevention activities, and policy preparation. The instrument will be applied in the event of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, and will be helpful in promoting the health of the people.


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