scholarly journals Self-Concept in China: Validation of the Chinese Version of the Five-Factor Self-Concept (AF5) Questionnaire

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangzhou Chen ◽  
Oscar F. Garcia ◽  
Maria C. Fuentes ◽  
Rafael Garcia-Ros ◽  
Fernando Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Chinese Version ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Psychological Measures ◽  
Heavy Tailed Distributions ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Heavy Tailed

The principle of invariance is a mandatory methodological requirement for the psychological measures, even when items such as self-concept measures frequently present asymmetric heavy-tailed distributions. Few validated self-concept instruments can be applied in Eastern–Western cross-cultural studies. The Five-Factor Self-Concept Questionnaire (AF5) is one of the few psychometrically sound instruments used to assess multidimensional self-concept in Spanish-speaking samples. The availability of the AF5 in Spanish and Chinese would facilitate cross-cultural research. To validate the Chinese version of the AF5, we used multisample confirmatory factor analysis with transformed dichotomous scales from the median to compare four alternative theoretical models. The sample consisted of 2507 participants (52.3% women) from China (n = 1298) and Spain (n = 1209), ranging in age from 19 to 35. Analyses confirmed the five-factor structure of the Chinese AF5 (i.e., academic, social, emotional, family, and physical) compared to the Spanish sample. Moreover, the Chinese version of the AF5 was found to be invariant in terms of item-factor weights, factor variance, and between-factor covariance, compared to the original Spanish version. The findings from this first validation study indicate that the Chinese version of the AF5 is an acceptable measure for use with Chinese-speaking adolescents and young adults.

Measurement Invariance of a Universal Behavioral Screener Across Samples From the USA and Germany

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gino Casale ◽  
Robert J. Volpe ◽  
Brian Daniels ◽  
Thomas Hennemann ◽  
Amy M. Briesch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Student Behavior ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cross Cultural Comparison ◽  
School Based ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Universal Screener ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Abstract. The current study examines the item and scalar equivalence of an abbreviated school-based universal screener that was cross-culturally translated and adapted from English into German. The instrument was designed to assess student behavior problems that impact classroom learning. Participants were 1,346 K-6 grade students from the US (n = 390, Mage = 9.23, 38.5% female) and Germany (n = 956, Mage = 8.04, 40.1% female). Measurement invariance was tested by multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) across students from the US and Germany. Results support full scalar invariance between students from the US and Germany (df = 266, χ2 = 790.141, Δχ2 = 6.9, p < .001, CFI = 0.976, ΔCFI = 0.000, RMSEA = 0.052, ΔRMSEA = −0.003) indicating that the factor structure, the factor loadings, and the item thresholds are comparable across samples. This finding implies that a full cross-cultural comparison including latent factor means and structural coefficients between the US and the German version of the abbreviated screener is possible. Therefore, the tool can be used in German schools as well as for cross-cultural research purposes between the US and Germany.

scholarly journals Researching measurement equivalence in cross-cultural studies

Psihologija ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milos Kankaras ◽  
Guy Moors
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Measurement Equivalence ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Comparative Advantages ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis

In cross-cultural comparative studies it is essential to establish equivalent measurement of relevant constructs across cultures. If this equivalence is not confirmed it is difficult if not impossible to make meaningful comparison of results across countries. This work presents concept of measurement equivalence, its relationship with other related concepts, different equivalence levels and causes of inequivalence in cross-cultural research. It also reviews three main approaches to the analysis of measurement equivalence - multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning, and multigroup latent class analysis - with special emphasis on their similarities and differences, as well as comparative advantages.

Assessing and Testing Cross-Cultural Measurement Equivalence

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh V. Tran ◽  
Tam Nguyen ◽  
Keith Chan
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Comparison ◽  
Fundamental Issue ◽  
Equivalence Test ◽  
Cross Cultural Comparison ◽  
Total Correlation ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Cross Cultural Research

A cross-cultural comparison can be misleading for two reasons: (1) comparison is made using different attributes and (2) comparison is made using different scale units. This chapter illustrates multiple statistical approaches to evaluating the cross-cultural equivalence of the research instruments: data distribution of the items of the research instrument, the patterns of responses of each item, the corrected item–total correlation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability analysis using the parallel test and tau-equivalence test. Equivalence is the fundamental issue in cross-cultural research and evaluation.

scholarly journals The expanded view of individualism and collectivism: One, two, or four dimensions?

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-24
Author(s):  
Kamal Fatehi ◽  
Jennifer L Priestley ◽  
Gita Taasoobshirazi
Keyword(s):  
Data Aggregation ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Individualism And Collectivism ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Cultural Attribute

Recent research to analyze and discuss cultural differences has employed a combination of five major dimensions of individualism–collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, femininity–masculinity (gender role differentiation), and long-term orientation. Among these dimensions, individualism–collectivism has received the most attention. Chronologically, this cultural attribute has been regarded as one, then two, and more recently, four dimensions of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. However, research on this issue has not been conclusive and some have argued against this expansion. The current study attempts to explain and clarify this discussion by using a shortened version of the scale developed by Singelis et al. ((1995) Horizontal and vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism: a theoretical and measurement refinement. Cross-Cultural Research 29(3): 240–275). Our analysis of aggregate data from 802 respondents from nine countries supports the expanded view. Data aggregation was based on the Mindscape Theory that proposes inter- and intracultural heterogeneity. This finding is reassuring to scholars who have been using the shortened version of the instrument because confirmatory factor analysis indicated its validity. The findings of the present study provides clarification of some apparent ambiguity in recent research in specifying some cultures such as India, Israel, and Spain as individualists or collectivists. By separating the four constructs, more nuanced classification is possible. Also, such a distinction enables us to entertain such concepts as the Mindscape Theory that proposes a unique intracultural and transcultural heterogeneity that do not stereotype the whole culture as either individualist or collectivist.

scholarly journals Till the ocean do us part: Italian and American therapists representations of stepfamilies in treatment

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Accordini ◽  
Scott Browning ◽  
Marialuisa Gennari ◽  
Kevin McCarthy ◽  
Davide Margola
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
First Union ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Personal Skills ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Training ◽  
Unrealistic Expectations

Research often focuses on the characteristics of stepfamilies and their differences with first-union families; however, few studies take into account the therapis's perspective with regards to the treatment of such families. Also, cross-cultural research on the topic is limited. To fill these gaps, a content analysis of responses from 125 Italian and 45 American therapists regarding their representations of stepfamilies and stepfamily therapy was undertaken. Results show that American therapists emphasized specific stepfamily characteristics (e.g., the lack of a shared family history, the occurrence of conflict between former spouses, the presence of unrealistic expectations towards treatment) to a greater extent if compared to Italian therapists. By contrast, besides being more general in their definition of stepfamilies, Italian therapists focused more on themselves, their theoretical models, and their professional and personal skills. The study provides insights on both the differences in the clinical cultures of the two countries and implications for stepfamily therapy and training.

scholarly journals Cultural Influence on Comparative Research: The Need for Cultural Equivalence of Scales

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Gustavo Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Research ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
International Management ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Publication Number ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Classical Models ◽  
Cultural Components

Management models evolved from classical models to current models, and were enhanced with psychological, social and cultural components. However, currently many management theories are still applied without considering the cultural context. The aim of this paper is to analyze the limitations and applicability of theoretical models and scientific knowledge in different cultural contexts from which they were designed. To this end, an investigation was made on the literature on international management, assessing issues such as origin of publication, number of articles and authors cited. With respect to the theoretical framework, it included studies on culture and cultural research on comparative studies (cross-cultural) and measurement equivalence. In terms of methodology, this study is presents as a theoretical essay. The limitations of the use of scales in contexts different than where they were created are discussed, especially concerning comparison between groups. Finally, we discuss possible solutions and the next steps for future research.

scholarly journals Testing measurement invariance across groups: applications in cross-cultural research.

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taciano L. Milfont ◽  
Ronald Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Invariance Testing ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Cross Cultural Research

Researchers often compare groups of individuals on psychological variables. When comparing groups an assumption is made that the instrument measures the same psychological construct in all groups. If this assumption holds, the comparisons are valid and differences/similarities between groups can be meaningfully interpreted. If this assumption does not hold, comparisons and interpretations are not fully meaningful. The establishment of measurement invariance is a prerequisite for meaningful comparisons across groups. This paper first reviews the importance of equivalence in psychological research, and then the main theoretical and methodological issues regarding measurement invariance within the framework of confirmatory factor analysis. A step-by-step empirical example of measurement invariance testing is provided along with syntax examples for fitting such models in LISREL.

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