How well do juvenile risk assessments measure factors to target in treatment? Examining construct validity.

Abstract: Zuckerman postulated a biopsychological multilevel theory of Sensation Seeking, which is part of a more complex multi-trait theory, the Alternative Five. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS V) was developed for the measurement of Sensation Seeking. The process of validation of Sensation Seeking as part of a multilevel theory includes analyses of relations within and between several levels of measurement. The present study investigates validity and basic psychometric properties of a German version of the SSS V in a broader context of psychometric traits. - The 120 participants were mainly students. They completed the SSS V, the Venturesomeness- and Impulsiveness-Scales of the IVE, the BIS/BAS-Scales, the ZKPQ and the NEO-FFI. - The results reveal acceptable psychometric properties for the SSS V but with limitations with regard to factor structure. Indications for criterion validity were obtained by prediction of substance use by the subscales Dis and BS. The results of a MTMM analysis, especially the convergent validities of the SSS V were quite satisfying. On the whole, the results yielded sufficient support for the validity of the Sensation Seeking construct or the instrument respectively. They also point to desirable modifications.

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The Stigma of Suicide Scale

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000156 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 13-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

Author(s):

Philip J. Batterham ◽

Alison L. Calear ◽

Helen Christensen

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Online Survey ◽

National University ◽

Stigmatizing Attitudes ◽

High Internal Consistency ◽

At Home

Background: There are presently no validated scales to adequately measure the stigma of suicide in the community. The Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) is a new scale containing 58 descriptors of a “typical” person who completes suicide. Aims: To validate the SOSS as a tool for assessing stigma toward suicide, to examine the scale’s factor structure, and to assess correlates of stigmatizing attitudes. Method: In March 2010, 676 staff and students at the Australian National University completed the scale in an online survey. The construct validity of the SOSS was assessed by comparing its factors with factors extracted from the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Results: Three factors were identified: stigma, isolation/depression, and glorification/normalization. Each factor had high internal consistency and strong concurrent validity with the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire. More than 25% of respondents agreed that people who suicided were “weak,” “reckless,” or “selfish.” Respondents who were female, who had a psychology degree, or who spoke only English at home were less stigmatizing. A 16-item version of the scale also demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Conclusions: The SOSS is the first attitudes scale designed to directly measure the stigma of suicide in the community. Results suggest that psychoeducation may successfully reduce stigma.

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Instrumental and Ideological Union Commitment: Longitudinal Assessment of Construct Validity

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027//1015-5759.17.2.98 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 98-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anders Sjöberg ◽

Magnus Sverke

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Temporal Stability ◽

Strong Support ◽

Internal Consistency Reliability ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Longitudinal Assessment ◽

Union Commitment ◽

Union Participation

Summary: Previous research has identified instrumentality and ideology as important aspects of member attachment to labor unions. The present study evaluated the construct validity of a scale designed to reflect the two dimensions of instrumental and ideological union commitment using a sample of 1170 Swedish blue-collar union members. Longitudinal data were used to test seven propositions referring to the dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, and temporal stability of the scale as well as postulated group differences in union participation to which the scale should be sensitive. Support for the hypothesized factor structure of the scale and for adequate reliabilities of the dimensions was obtained and was also replicated 18 months later. Tests for equality of measurement model parameters and test-retest correlations indicated support for the temporal stability of the scale. In addition, the results were consistent with most of the predicted differences between groups characterized by different patterns of change/stability in union participation status. The study provides strong support for the construct validity of the scale and indicates that it can be used in future theory testing on instrumental and ideological union commitment.

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