To evaluate multidimensional factor structure, a popular method that combines features of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis is Bayesian structural equation modeling with small-variance normal priors (BSEM-N). This simulation study evaluated BSEM-N as a variable selection and parameter estimation tool in factor analysis with sparse…

Measurement invariance (MI) is required for validly comparing latent constructs measured by multiple ordinal self-report items. Non-invariances may occur when disregarding (group differences in) an acquiescence response style (ARS; an agreeing tendency regardless of item content). If non-invariance results solely from neglecting ARS, one should…

Measurement invariance holds when a latent construct is measured in the same way across different levels of background variables (continuous or categorical) while controlling for the true value of that construct. Using Monte Carlo simulation, this paper compares the multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) model and MIMIC-interaction to a…

The aim of this study is to validate an instrument to evaluate the teaching of mathematics through mathematical processes using a structural equation model. To that end, we have administered the instrument to 95 in-service Spanish teachers and we have also analysed the presence of mathematical processes (problem solving, reasoning and proof,…

When item scores are ordered categorical, categorical omega can be computed based on the parameter estimates from a factor analysis model using frequentist estimators such as diagonally weighted least squares. When the sample size is relatively small and thresholds are different across items, using diagonally weighted least squares can yield a…

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of ERQ in a group of Egyptian adolescents. 648 adolescents from middle schools in Nasr city, Egypt were recruited. These adolescents aged 14-15 years old (M=14.4, SD=2.22). Of which,400 were females (61.72%) while 248 were males (38.27%). Exploratory Factor Analysis, with CFA and…

In exploratory item factor analysis (IFA), researchers may use model fit statistics and commonly invoked fit thresholds to help determine the dimensionality of an assessment. However, these indices and thresholds may mislead as they were developed in a confirmatory framework for models with continuous, not categorical, indicators. The present…

The main thesis of the present study is to use the Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) methodology of establishing approximate measurement invariance (A-MI) using data from a national examination in Saudi Arabia as an alternative to not meeting strong invariance criteria. Instead, we illustrate how to account for the absence of…

The research was designed to examine the effects of question setting using different conditions into 10 sets on the validity of structural equation modeling for factors affecting job morale. The data was collected from 690 personnel working in regional Statistical Offices around Thailand by using cluster random sampling. The tool used in…

Remote association requires players to use their mental transformation to identify objects' relationships by activating knowledge application. A Chinese Remote Association game was designed (example question: [characters omitted], where the answer is [character omitted]) to explore learners' cognitive and affective effects, and then eighth grade…

The Norwegian government recommends a systematic language assessment of all four-year-olds as part of the general health surveillance program for the purpose of identifying children at risk of language delay. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity of the recommended language screening tool called LANGUAGE4 [SPRÅK4] by first…

The aim of this study is to examine validity and reliability of Community of Inquiry Scale commonly used in online learning by the means of Item Response Theory. For this purpose, Community of Inquiry Scale version 14 is applied on 1,499 students of a distance education center's online learning programs at a Turkish state university via internet.…

Position effects may occur in both paper--pencil tests and computerized assessments when examinees respond to the same test items located in different positions on the test. To examine position effects in large-scale assessments, previous studies often used multilevel item response models within the generalized linear mixed modeling framework.…

An empirical evidence for independent samples of a population regarding measurement invariance implies that factor structure of a measurement tool is equal across these samples; in other words, it measures the intended psychological trait within the same structure. In this case, the evidence of construct validity would be strengthened within the…

In this study, we sought to confirm the theoretical framework underlying an Online Graduate Mentoring Scale by establishing the scale's factorial validity and reliability. Analysis of data received from doctoral students and alumni/ae of the College of Education of one large, online, accredited university reduced the initial theoretical…