Statistical Approach to Test Construct Validity and Obtain Weights for the Children's Dietary Life Recognition and Practice Index

ABSTRACT

Constructs with seven latent evaluation indicators and 18 observable survey questions were developed by food and nutrition experts to calculate a food safety recognition and practice index for children. The purpose of this study was to suggest statistical approaches to test construction validity on the constructs, obtain weights of the evaluation indicators, and develop questionnaires to calculate a children's food recognition and practice index. Survey data of 2,400 elementary fifth grade students were used as empirical results. Test validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis and confirmed to be highly significant by confirmatory factor analysis [i.e., linear structural relations (LISREL) analysis]. Standardized path coefficients of the LISREL analysis were suggested based on weights, and the weights were compared using the AHP and Delphi methods.