ABSTRACT
The core objective of the present work is to explore the reasons why workers from different employment sectors join training courses to improve their job. To this end we assessed achievement motivation, locus of control and professional qualifications according to the participants' employment sector. The final sample consisted of 1460 active Spanish workers from four different employment sectors: services, catering, metal construction, and others. Of the sample, 40.1% were male and 59.9% female, with a mean age of 33.3 years (SD = 9.7). The results show that the new scale developed to assess achievement motivation, locus of control and workers' qualifications presents adequate psychometric characteristics. Statistically significant differences were found in relation to employment sector. The areas studied showed satisfactory levels of workers' effort and achievement motivation to perform their jobs, though their attitudes toward the training courses as a basis for improving their employability are varied. Workers in the catering sector had higher levels of external attribution and the lowest interest in training. Those in the service sector had higher levels of achievement motivation and effort at work. Future research should develop a joint program covering the public and private sectors for the modification of these beliefs, attitudes and attributions.
Subject(s)
Achievement , Education, Continuing , Internal-External Control , Motivation , Adolescent , Adult , Employment , Female , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Male , Middle Aged , Workplace , Young AdultABSTRACT
Background: Organizational climate is the set of perceptions shared by workers who occupy the same workplace. The main goal of this study is to develop a new organizational climate scale and to determine its psychometric properties. Method: The sample consisted of 3,163 Health Service workers. A total of 88.7% of participants worked in hospitals, and 11.3% in primary care; 80% were women and 20% men, with a mean age of 51.9 years (SD= 6.28). Results: The proposed scale consists of 50 Likert-type items, with an alpha coefficient of 0.97, and an essentially onedimensional structure. The discrimination indexes of the items are greater than 0.40, and the items show no differential item functioning in relation to participants sex. A short version of the scale was developed, made up of 15 items, with discrimination indexes higher than 0.40, an alpha coefficient of 0.94, and its structure was clearly one-dimensional. Conclusions: These results indicate that the new scale has adequate psychometric properties, allowing a reliable and valid assessment of organizational climate (AU)
Antecedentes: el clima organizacional es el conjunto de percepciones que comparten los trabajadores de un determinado ámbito laboral. El objetivo central de este trabajo es la construcción de una nueva escala para evaluar el clima organizacional y el estudio de sus propiedades psicométricas. Método: la muestra estaba formada por 3.163 trabajadores del ámbito sanitario, un 88,7% trabajaban en hospitales y un 11,3% en servicios de Atención Primaria. Un 80% eran mujeres y un 20% hombres, con una edad media de 51,9 años y una desviación típica de 6,28. Resultados: la escala construida está formada por 50 ítems tipo Likert, con un coeficiente alfa de 0,97 y una estructura esencialmente unidimensional. Los índices de discriminación de los ítems son todos superiores a 0,40, y ninguno de los ítems muestra un funcionamiento diferencial respecto al sexo. Se desarrolló una versión corta de la escala de 15 ítems, con índices de discriminación superiores a 0,40, coeficiente alfa de 0,94 y estructura unidimensional. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos indican que la nueva escala desarrollada tiene unas propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, permitiendo una evaluación fiable y válida del clima organizacional (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Psychometrics/methods , Psychometrics/trends , Occupational Health Services/organization & administration , Community Health Workers/psychology , Job Satisfaction , Personal Satisfaction , 32547/policies , Efficiency, Organizational/trends , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Psychometrics/organization & administration , Psychometrics/standards , 16054/psychology , Primary Health Care/methods , Primary Health Care/trends , Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale/standards , Psychiatric Status Rating ScalesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Organizational climate is the set of perceptions shared by workers who occupy the same workplace. The main goal of this study is to develop a new organizational climate scale and to determine its psychometric properties. METHOD: The sample consisted of 3,163 Health Service workers. A total of 88.7% of participants worked in hospitals, and 11.3% in primary care; 80% were women and 20% men, with a mean age of 51.9 years (SD= 6.28). RESULTS: The proposed scale consists of 50 Likert-type items, with an alpha coefficient of 0.97, and an essentially one-dimensional structure. The discrimination indexes of the items are greater than 0.40, and the items show no differential item functioning in relation to participants' sex. A short version of the scale was developed, made up of 15 items, with discrimination indexes higher than 0.40, an alpha coefficient of 0.94, and its structure was clearly one-dimensional. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the new scale has adequate psychometric properties, allowing a reliable and valid assessment of organizational climate.
Subject(s)
Social Environment , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workplace , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , PsychometricsABSTRACT
The core objective of the present work is to explore the reasons why workers from different employment sectors join training courses to improve their job. To this end we assessed achievement motivation, locus of control and professional qualifications according to the participants employment sector. The final sample consisted of 1460 active Spanish workers from four different employment sectors: services, catering, metal construction, and others. Of the sample, 40.1% were male and 59.9% female, with a mean age of 33.3 years (SD = 9.7). The results show that the new scale developed to assess achievement motivation, locus of control and workers qualifications presents adequate psychometric characteristics. Statistically significant differences were found in relation to employment sector. The areas studied showed satisfactory levels of workers effort and achievement motivation to perform their jobs, though their attitudes toward the training courses as a basis for improving their employability are varied. Workers in the catering sector had higher levels of external attribution and the lowest interest in training. Those in the service sector had higher levels of achievement motivation and effort at work. Future research should develop a joint program covering the public and private sectors for the modification of these beliefs, attitudes and attributions (AU)
No disponible
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Workplace/psychology , Workplace/standards , 16054/psychology , Employee Incentive Plans/trends , Motivation/physiology , Psychometrics/methods , Psychometrics/standards , Surveillance of the Workers Health , Job SatisfactionABSTRACT
La utilización correcta de los tests psicológicos requiere por un lado que los instrumentos de medida tengan las propiedades psicométricasadecuadas, tales como fiabilidad y validez, y por otro, que los profesionales que los utilizan tengan la preparación técnica necesaria para usarlos. En el presente trabajo se presentan las primeras evaluaciones de tests editados en España, llevadas a cabo con un Modelo de Evaluación desarrollado por la Comisión Europea de Tests y adaptado al contexto español. El modelo permite llevar a cabo una evaluación tanto cualitativa como cuantitativa de las pruebas. Se evaluaron diez tests elegidos de entre los más utilizados por los profesionales españoles, cada uno de ellos se envió a dos revisores expertos para su evaluación, y a partir de dichos informes se elaboró el informe final. En líneas generales puede afirmarse que la calidad de los diez instrumentos de medida evaluados es buena, poniéndose de manifiesto sus puntos fuertes y débiles. A la vista de las revisiones se recomienda una mejora de las pruebas y sus Manuales para futuras ediciones, haciendo hincapié en la necesidad de incluir el mayor número posible de evidencias de validez sobre las pruebas. Finalmente se comentan los detalles del proceso de revisión seguido, y se analizan las posibles líneas de futuro en la evaluación de los tests en España (AU)
The proper use of psychological tests requires that the measuring instruments have adequate psychometric properties, such as reliabilityand validity, and professionals who use those instruments have the necessary expertise to utilize them. In this paper we present the first evaluation of tests published in Spain, carried out with an Assessment Model developed by the European Test Commission, and adapted to the Spanish context. The model allows conducting a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the test. Ten tests were evaluated, elected from among the most used by Spanish professionals. Each test was sent to two peer reviewers for evaluation, based on these reports a final inform was prepared. In light of the revisions carried out some improvements are suggested for future editions of the tests, emphasizing the need to include in the Manuals as many as possible evidences of validity of the tests. Finally, we discuss the details of the review process followed, and analyze possible future directions for the evaluation of tests in Spain (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Psychological Tests , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Schizotypy is a multidimensional personality construct that appears to indicate psychosis proneness. Supposedly, schizotypal traits behave differently depending on a person's age and gender, but few studies have examined this relationship. In our study we used the Thinking and Perceptual Style Questionnaire and the Junior Schizotypy Scales. The sample was made up of 321 students (169 males) with an age range of 12 to 17 years. The results show significant differences in gender and age groups. Males score higher than females on Physical Anhedonia, Social Anhedonia, and Impulsive Non-Conformity scales, while females score higher or Positive Symptoms, Negative Evaluation, and Social Paranoia scales. Significant differences were also found among age groups: Unusual experiences, self-referent ideation, social paranoia, thought disorder, and negative evaluation were more frequent in later stages of adolescence. However, the meaning of this difference could be interpreted in terms of emotional turbulence rather than as a direct indicator of vulnerability to psychosis.
Subject(s)
Schizotypal Personality Disorder/epidemiology , Adolescent , Affective Symptoms/diagnosis , Affective Symptoms/epidemiology , Affective Symptoms/psychology , Age Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Culture , Female , Hallucinations/diagnosis , Hallucinations/epidemiology , Hallucinations/psychology , Humans , Male , Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/diagnosis , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/psychology , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between emotional or behavioural problems and schizotypy. An assessment of handedness and schizotypal personality traits were also performed by means of the Thinking and Perceptual Style Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Schizotypal Traits Questionnaire, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, and the Youth Self-Report. The sample comprised 296 participants with a mean age of 13.8 and a standard deviation of 1.34. Data indicate that adolescents with high scores on psychometric factors of schizotypy displayed higher patterns of problem behaviours as well as a significant difference in all the core factors of the Youth Self-Report, compared to those who scored low on these measures. Discriminant analysis showed that the core factors of the Youth Self-Report correctly classified 84% of the adolescents with high or low scores on psychometric schizotypy. Lastly, no significant association between the factors of schizotypy and left-handedness, right-handedness, or mixed-handedness was found.
Subject(s)
Functional Laterality , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/epidemiology , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/psychology , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Psychometrics , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/diagnosis , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la relación existente entre los problemas emocionales y del comportamiento y la esquizotipia psicométrica. También se estudió la relación entre la lateralidad manual y los rasgos de la personalidad esquizotípica. Se utilizó el Thinking and Perceptual Style Questionnaire, el Multidimensional Schizotypal Traits Questonnaire, el Inventario de Lateralidad Manual de Edinburgh y el Youth Self Report. Participaron un total de 296 adolescentes con una edad media de 13,8 años y una desviación típica de 1,34. Los resultados mostraron que los adolescentes con alta esquizotipia psicométrica presentan un mayor número de conductas problema, así como diferencias significativas en todos los factores centrales del Youth Self Report respecto a los adolescentes con baja esquizotipia psicométrica. El análisis discriminante mostró que los factores centrales del Youth Self Report clasifican correctamente al 84% de los adolescentes con alta o baja esquizotipia. Finalmente, los adolescentes con lateralidad manual ambidiestra no presentaron puntuaciones elevadas en ninguna de las escalas o factores que miden esquizotipia psicométrica con respecto a los adolescentes diestros o zurdos
The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between emotional or behavioural problems and schizotypy. An assessment of handedness and schizotypal personality traits were also performed by means of the Thinking and Perceptual Style Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Schizotypal Traits Questionnaire, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, and the Youth Self-Report. The sample comprised 296 participants with a mean age of 13.8 and a standard deviation of 1.34. Data indicate that adolescents with high scores on psychometric factors of schizotypy displayed higher patterns of problem behaviours as well as a significant difference in all the core factors of the Youth Self-Report, compared to those who scored low on these measures. Discriminant analysis showed that the core factors of the Youth Self-Report correctly classified 84% of the adolescents with high or low scores on psychometric schizotypy. Lastly, no significant association between the factors of schizotypy and left-handedness, right-handedness, or mixed-handedness was found
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Functional Laterality , Affective Symptoms/psychology , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/psychology , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Mental Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en llevar a cabo una revisión de las dimensiones de la esquizotipia en la última década. La finalidad fue estudiar la naturaleza y estructura de la esquizotipia de cara a una mejor comprensión y delimitación del constructo. Los datos indican que la esquizotipia es un constructo multidimensional que se puede concretar en tres o cuatro dimensiones. El factor Positivo (Experiencias Inusuales) y el factor Negativo (Anhedonia) han sido ampliamente replicados. El tercer y/o cuarto se concreta en una dimensión de Desorganización, de No Conformidad Impulsiva, de Paranoia o Ansiedad Social. Las dimensiones de la esquizotipia varían en función del sexo y la edad. Los varones tienden a puntuar más elevado que las mujeres en la dimensión negativa mientras que las mujeres lo hacen en la dimensión positiva y en el factor Ansiedad Social. La comparación estricta entre los estudios factoriales se encuentra dificultada por el tipo de instrumento, la muestra empleada y el modelo estadístico utilizado. El Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire es el cuestionario más investigado, mostrando gran consistencia en su solución trifactorial. Los estudios factoriales de la esquizotipia se han realizado en una amplia variedad de culturas. Las futuras investigaciones deberán tener presente las limitaciones metodológicas, la aplicación de diferentes medidas de esquizotipia de forma conjunta, el estudio del constructo a través de las diferentes culturas y la relación de la esquizotipia con otras variables
The purpose of this article was to review dimensional studies of schizotypy in the last decade; particularly, its nature and structure, for a better understanding and definition of this construct. Data from those studies indicate that schizotypy is a multidimensional construct consisting in three or four dimensions. A Positive factor (Unusual experiences) and a Negative factor (Anhedonia) were widely confirmed, but a third or even a fourth dimension (Disorganization, Impulsive non-comformity, Paranoia or Social Anxiety) were also found. Dimensions of schizotypy vary according to gender and age, showing men higher scores in the Negative dimension than women, while women score higher in the Positive dimension and in the Social Anxiety factor than men; however, a precise comparison is hindered by the instruments, the samples, and the statistical model used. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire is most studied instrument, as it shows good consistency in a tri-factorial solution. Factorial analyses of schizotypy were done in very different cultures. Future research should bear several aspects in mind: methodological shortcomings, a combined use of different measures of schizotypy, the study of this construct in different cultures, and the relationship of schizotypy with other variables
Subject(s)
Humans , Schizotypal Personality Disorder/psychology , Personality Assessment , Personality Inventory , Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en llevar a cabo una revisión de las dimensiones de la esquizotipia en la última década. La finalidad fue estudiar la naturaleza y estructura de la esquizotipia de cara a una mejor comprensión y delimitación del constructo. Los datos indican que la esquizotipia es un constructo multidimensional que se puede concretar en tres o cuatro dimensiones. El factor Positivo (Experiencias Inusuales) y el factor Negativo (Anhedonia) han sido ampliamente replicados. El tercer y/o cuarto se concreta en una dimensión de Desorganización, de No Conformidad Impulsiva, de Paranoia o Ansiedad Social. Las dimensiones de la esquizotipia varían en función del sexo y la edad. Los varones tienden a puntuar más elevado que las mujeres en la dimensión negativa mientras que las mujeres lo hacen en la dimensión positiva y en el factor Ansiedad Social. La comparación estricta entre los estudios factoriales se encuentra dificultada por el tipo de instrumento, la muestra empleada y el modelo estadístico utilizado. El Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire es el cuestionario más investigado, mostrando gran consistencia en su solución trifactorial. Los estudios factoriales de la esquizotipia se han realizado en una amplia variedad de culturas. Las futuras investigaciones deberán tener presente las limitaciones metodológicas, la aplicación de diferentes medidas de esquizotipia de forma conjunta, el estudio del constructo a través de las diferentes culturas y la relación de la esquizotipia con otras variables
The purpose of this article was to review dimensional studies of schizotypy in the last decade; particularly, its nature and structure, for a better understanding and definition of this construct. Data from those studies indicate that schizotypy is a multidimensional construct consisting in three or four dimensions. A Positive factor (Unusual experiences) and a Negative factor (Anhedonia) were widely confirmed, but a third or even a fourth dimension (Disorganization, Impulsive non-comformity, Paranoia or Social Anxiety) were also found. Dimensions of schizotypy vary according to gender and age, showing men higher scores in the Negative dimension than women, while women score higher in the Positive dimension and in the Social Anxiety factor than men; however, a precise comparison is hindered by the instruments, the samples, and the statistical model used. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire is most studied instrument, as it shows good consistency in a tri-factorial solution. Factorial analyses of schizotypy were done in very different cultures. Future research should bear several aspects in mind: methodological shortcomings, a combined use of different measures of schizotypy, the study of this construct in different cultures, and the relationship of schizotypy with other variables
