Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis are statistical procedures that are particularly useful for examining the structural validity of scores on measurement instruments. Consequently, they are also useful in the process of developing and validating scores on scales. In this presentation, I will discuss the use of these procedures in developing two attitudinal instruments and validating their scores. I will show how exploratory factor analyses contributed to the refinement of subscales during the process of development and how confirmatory factor analyses were used to provide support for the theoretical models underlying the instruments. I will also provide an example of a scale which is not as well supported by these techniques as a counter example.
Frank C. Worrell directs the School Psychology program, and he also serves as Faculty Director of the Academic Talent Development Program, and Faculty Director for the California College Preparatory Academy (CAL Prep). In his research, he examines psychosocial variables that are related to academic achievement and promote resilience, especially in adolescent, African American, Caribbean, and gifted and talented populations. He also studies the psychometric properties of scores on instruments used to measure psychosocial constructs.
