The dilemma of combining positive and negative items in scales / El dilema de combinar ítems positivos y negativos en escalas

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of combining negative and positive items in scales in a Spanish-speaking context. METHOD: Three telephone surveys of 233 people each were carried out. In one survey, 15 items from the Keyes Social Well-Being Scale were worded in a positive fashion; another survey presented 8 items in a positive fashion and 7 items in terms of direct denial; and in the third survey, 7 items were worded positively, 5 were worded in negative terms using polar opposites, and 3 terms were presented in terms of direct denial. RESULTS: The results show a greater tendency for the items in the Positive questionnaire to show results associated with the directionality of the items. However, this questionnaire shows higher values of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and better fit of the theoretical factor structure. CONCLUSIONS: In the survey that included only positive items, findings indicated the existence of acquiescence bias. However, a remedy to this situation only made matters worse, as the combination of positive and negative items seriously affected the internal consistency of the scales

ANTECEDENTES: se analizó en un contexto hispano hablante las ventajas y desventajas de combinar ítems negativos y positivos en las escalas. MÉTODO: se aplicaron tres encuestas telefónicas de 233 personas cada una. En una encuesta se redactaron 15 ítems de la escala de bienestar social de Keyes de forma positiva; otra contó con 8 ítems redactados de manera positiva y 7 de negación directa; en la última hubo 7 ítems positivos, 5 de negación usando el polo opuesto y 3 de negación directa. RESULTADOS: los resultados revelan una mayor tendencia de los ítems del cuestionario positivo a presentar respuestas asociadas a la direccionalidad del ítem. Sin embargo, este cuestionario muestra valores más altos del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y un mejor ajuste de la estructura factorial teórica. CONCLUSIONES: se prevé mayor presencia del sesgo de aceptación en el cuestionario que solo posee ítems positivos. Sin embargo, el remedio empeoró las cosas, la combinación de ítems positivos y negativos afectó seriamente la consistencia interna de las escalas

Validation of the patient advocacy engagement scale for health professionals.

Codes of ethics of nursing, social work, and medicine, as well as Joint Commission Accreditation Standards, require members of these professions to engage in advocacy on behalf of patients. With use of expert panels, seven categories of patient problems in the healthcare milieu were identified: ethical rights, quality care, preventive care, culturally competent care, affordable/accessible care, mental health care, and care linked to patients' homes and communities. To measure the frequency with which healthcare professionals engage in patient advocacy related to these specific problems, the Patient Advocacy Engagement Scale (Patient-AES) scale was developed and validated through analysis of responses of 297 professionals (94 social workers, 97 nurses, and 104 medical residents) recruited from the personnel rosters of eight acute-care hospitals in Los Angeles County. Hospitals included public, not-for-profit, HMO, and church-affiliated hospitals that served general hospital populations, veterans, cancer patients, and children. Results supported the validity of both the concept and the instrument. Construct validity was supported by testing the hypothesized seven-factor solution through confirmatory factor analysis; 26 items loaded onto seven components. Pearson correlations for the overall scale and seven subscales in two administrations supported their test-retest stability. Cronbach α ranged from .55 to .94 for the seven subscales and .95 for the overall Patient-AES. The Patient-AES is, to our knowledge, the first scale that measures patient advocacy engagement by healthcare professionals in acute-care settings related to a broad range of specific patient problems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale / Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale

Introducción. La Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) es un cuestionario breve que evalúa 2 componentes clave de la atención plena: la conciencia en el momento presente y la aceptación. El presente estudio evalúa las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la PHLMS tanto en una muestra control de estudiantes universitarios como en población con patología psiquiátrica. Material y métodos. Se administró la versión española de la PHLMS a 395 voluntarios (256 con patología psiquiátrica y 139 estudiantes). Resultados. El análisis factorial exploratorio de la versión española de la PHLMS apoya la solución bifactorial de la versión original con una varianza explicada del 44,02%. La escala presentó una adecuada fiabilidad (α de Cronbach de 0,81 a 0,86). La PHLMS mostró una adecuada validez convergente con los otros cuestionarios de atención plena y aceptación y una validez divergente de la clínica depresiva y ansiosa comparable a la de la versión original. Conclusiones. La versión española de la PHLMS presenta adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y puede ser utilizada para medir 2 componentes constituyentes de la atención plena -i.e. conciencia y aceptación- tanto en el ámbito clínico como en investigación (AU)

Introduction. The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) is a brief questionnaire for assessing 2 key components of mindfulness: present moment awareness, and acceptance. This study was aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of PHLMS in a sample of participants with and without psychiatric conditions. Material and methods. The Spanish version of the PHLMS was administered to a sample of 395 volunteers (256 of them with a psychiatric condition, and 130 from a student sample). Results. Exploratory factor analysis found a two factor solution, which was also observed in the original version of the scale, with an explained variance of 44.02%. The scale showed good reliability (Cronbach α between 0.81 and 0.86), and an adequate convergent validity with other questionnaires of mindfulness and acceptance. The results also showed a similar discriminant validity to that in the original instrument validation between PHLMS and the clinical symptomatology reported. Conclusions. The Spanish version of the PHLMS is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing two core components of mindfulness (i.e. awareness and acceptance) in clinical and research settings (AU)

Las diferentes versiones del inventario de ansiedad estado-rasgo / The different versions of the state-trait anxiety inventory

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Assessing the quality of tests: revision of the EFPA review model / Evaluación de la calidad de los tests: revisión del modelo de evaluación de la EFPA

Background: Diverse national and international organizations have been developing projects for many years to improve testing practices. The main goal of this paper is to present the revised model of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) for the evaluation of the quality of tests. This model aims to provide test users with rigorous information about the theoretical, practical and psychometric characteristics of tests, in order to enhance their use. Method: For the revision of the test review model, an EFPA task force was established, consisting of six European experts from different countries, who worked on the update of the previous European model, adapting it to the recent developments in the field of psychological and educational measurement. Results: The updated EFPA model provides for the comprehensive evaluation of tests. The first part describes test characteristics exhaustively, and in the second part, a quantitative and narrative evaluation of the most relevant psychometric characteristics of tests is presented. Conclusions: A revision of the European model for the description and evaluation of psychological and educational tests is presented. The revised model is analyzed in light of recent developments in the field (AU)

Antecedentes: el objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una revisión del modelo de la Federación Europea de Asociaciones de Psicólogos (EFPA) para la evaluación de los tests. El modelo trata de poner a disposición de los usuarios información contrastada sobre las características teóricas, prácticas y psicométricas de los tests, facilitando con ello un mejor uso de las pruebas. Método: para llevar a cabo la revisión del modelo de evaluación de los tests se formó una comisión de trabajo en el seno de la EFPA formada por seis expertos de diferentes países que trabajaron en la actualización del modelo europeo previo, adaptándolo a los nuevos desarrollos en el ámbito de la evaluación psicológica y educativa. Resultados: la versión actualizada del modelo de la EFPA permite evaluar los tests de forma integral. En una primera parte se describe la prueba de forma exhaustiva, y en la segunda se lleva a cabo la evaluación cuantitativa y cualitativa de las características psicométricas de la prueba. Conclusiones: se presenta la revisión del modelo europeo para la descripción y evaluación de los tests y se comentan los resultados a la luz de los desarrollos recientes en el ámbito de la evaluación psicológica y educativa (AU)

Validation of the Simple Shoulder Test in a Portuguese-Brazilian population. Is the latent variable structure and validation of the Simple Shoulder Test Stable across cultures?

BACKGROUND: The validation of widely used scales facilitates the comparison across international patient samples. The objective of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Simple Shoulder Test into Brazilian Portuguese. Also we test the stability of factor analysis across different cultures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Simple Shoulder Test into Brazilian Portuguese. Also we test the stability of factor analysis across different cultures. METHODS: The Simple Shoulder Test was translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese, translated back into English, and evaluated for accuracy by an expert committee. It was then administered to 100 patients with shoulder conditions. Psychometric properties were analyzed including factor analysis, internal reliability, test-retest reliability at seven days, and construct validity in relation to the Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Factor analysis demonstrated a three factor solution. Cronbach's alpha was 0.82. Test-retest reliability index as measured by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.84. Associations were observed in the hypothesized direction with all subscales of SF-36 questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The Simple Shoulder Test translation and cultural adaptation to Brazilian-Portuguese demonstrated adequate factor structure, internal reliability, and validity, ultimately allowing for its use in the comparison with international patient samples.

Datos perdidos y propiedades psicométricas en los tests de personalidad / Missing data and psychometric properties of personality tests

Se investigo la influencia que tienen los valores perdidos sobre la estimación de las propiedades psicométricas de los tests de personalidad. Se ha utilizado un enfoque aplicado, simulando situaciones que puedan tener relevancia cara a la práctica profesional. Se diseñaron dos estudios de simulación a partir de datos reales obtenidos de la aplicación de la prueba ESQUIZO-Q que evalúa esquizotipia. En el primero de ellos se utilizo una muestra de 3056 personas y en el segundo una de 200; en ambos casos se emplearon cuatro niveles de pérdida de respuestas y ocho procedimientos de imputación de los valores perdidos. Se estudio su influencia sobre las estimaciones del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, la estructura factorial de la prueba y la ordenación de las puntuaciones en el cuestionario. Los resultados apuntan a que en presencia de niveles bajos de valores perdidos, incluso los métodos más simples, ofrecen soluciones muy razonables desde el punto de vista práctico. Desde la perspectiva mas estadística el procedimiento de Expectación-Maximización (EM) es el que presenta un mejor comportamiento global en los diferentes criterios manejados. Destaca también el pobre comportamiento de los métodos de sustitución por el valor anterior o posterior de cara a mantener la estructura factorial de los datos (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of missing values on the psychometric properties of personality tests. An applied approach was used, trying to simulate conditions similar to those found in the professional practice. Two simulation studies were designed, based on actual data from the administration of ESQUIZO-Q test, which assesses schizotypy. In the first study a large sample was used (N=3056), and in the second one a smaller sample (N=200) was analyzed. In both cases four levels of missing values, and eight procedures for handling missing values were simulated. The influence of these conditions on the estimates of Cronbach's alpha, the factor structure of the test, and the arrangement of test scores were analyzed. The results suggest that in the presence of low levels of missing values, even the simplest imputation methods offer appropriate solutions from a applied point of view. From a statistical perspective the Expectation-Maximization (EM) method is the one with a better overall performance in the different criteria handled. Also noteworthy is the poor performance of replacement procedures when using the value of the previous or posterior item in order to maintain the factor structure of the data (AU)

Measurement invariance study of the training satisfaction questionnaire (TSQ)

This article presents an empirical measurement invariance study in the substantive area of satisfaction evaluation in training programs. Specifically, it (I) provides an empirical solution to the lack of explicit measurement models of satisfaction scales, offering a way of analyzing and operationalizing the substantive theoretical dimensions; (II) outlines and discusses the analytical consequences of considering the effects of categorizing supposedly continuous variables, which are not usually taken into account; (III) presents empirical results from a measurement invariance study based on 5,272 participants’ responses to a training satisfaction questionnaire in three different organizations and in two different training methods, taking into account the factor structure of the measured construct and the ordinal nature of the recorded data; and (IV) describes the substantive implications in the area of training satisfaction evaluation, such as the usefulness of the training satisfaction questionnaire to measure satisfaction in different organizations and different training methods. It also discusses further research based on these findings (AU)

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Análisis de las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Formas de Afrontamiento de Acontecimientos Estresantes (C. E. A.), aplicado a padres de niños con discapacidad visual / Analysis of the psychometric properties of Ways of Coping Questionnaire of Stressful Events, applied to parents of children with visual disability

El presente estudio analiza las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Cuestionario de Formas de Afrontamiento de Acontecimientos Estresantes (C.E.A), aplicado a una muestra de 147 padres y madres de niños con discapacidad visual afiliados a la Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia. Se ha analizado la fiabilidad y se ha realizado un análisis factorial exploratorio para evaluar su validez de constructo. Los resultados permiten afirmar que la versión española del Cuestionario es un instrumento fiable para evaluar las distintas formas de afrontamiento de padres y madres ante diversos acontecimientos relacionados con la discapacidad visual de su hijo/a (AU)

The present study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the questionnaire based on Ways of Coping Checklist (W.C.C.), applied to a sample of 147 parents of children with visual impairment affiliated to the National Organization of Spanish Blind (ONCE) in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The trustworthiness has been checked and a factorial analysis has been done to evaluate the construct validity. The results let us affirm that the Spanish version of the questionnaire is a reliable instrument to evaluate the different ways of parents facing the varied happenings related visual impairment of their children’s (AU)

Tests adaptativos informatizados: una perspectiva general / Computerized adaptive testing: a general perspective

Los tests adaptativos informatizados (TAIs) adaptan las preguntas a administrar a cada examinado según sus respuestas a las preguntas previas. De este modo, se consiguen estimaciones de su nivel de rasgo más precisas o se reduce la longitud del test. En los últimos años, se han desarrollo diversos TAIs en España y es probable que, dadas las ventajas que ofrece esta técnica, sean bastantes más lo que se hagan disponibles próximamente. El objetivo de este trabajo es ofrecer una visión actualizada de este campo. Para ello, se presenta la estructura básica de un TAI y se comentan los distintos pasos que lo componen. Se hace especial énfasis en la selección de ítems, la parte fundamental para la adaptatibilidad del test, desde la perspectiva de los cuatros objetivos que ha de satisfacer un TAI: (a) precisión, (b) seguridad del banco de ítems, (c) control de contenidos, y (d) mantenimiento de la prueba (AU)

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) adapts the items to be administered to each examinee according to the responses to the previous items. In this way, more accurate trail level estimations can be obtained or test length is reduced. In the last years, several CATs have been developed in Spain and it can be expected that, given the advantages of this technique, more will become available soon. The goal of this work is to offer and updated view of this topic. For doing so, the basic structure of a CAT is presented and the different steps composing it are commented. Special emphasis is given ot item selection, the fundamental part for the adaptability of the test, from the perspective of the four objectives that must be satisfied by a CAT: (a) accuracy, (b) item bank security; (c) content balance; and (d) test maintenance (AU)

Ethical complexities of screening for depression and intimate partner violence (IPV) in intervention studies.

BACKGROUND: Intervention studies for depression and intimate partner violence (IPV) commonly incorporate screening to identify eligible participants. The challenge is that current ethical evaluation is largely informed by the four principle approach applying principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for justice and autonomy. We examine three intervention studies for IPV, postnatal depression (PND) and depression that used screening from the perspective of principlism, followed by the perspective of a narrative and relational approach. We suggest that a narrative and relational approach to ethics brings to light concerns that principlism can overlook. DISCUSSION: The justification most commonly used to incorporate screening is that the potential benefits of identifying intervention efficacy balance the risk of individual harm. However, considerable risks do exist. The discovery of new information may result in further depression or worries, people might feel burdened, open to further risk, unsure of whether to disclose information to family members and disappointed if they are allocated to a control group. This raises questions about study design and whether the principle of equipoise remains an adequate justification in studies with vulnerable groups. In addition, autonomy is said to be respected because participants give informed consent to participate. However, the context of where recruitment is undertaken has been shown to influence how people make decisions. SUMMARY: The four principles have been subjected to criticisms in recent years but they remain prominent in public health and medical research. We provide a set of simple, interrogative questions that are narrative and relationally driven which may assist to further evaluate the potential impacts of using screening to identify eligible research participants in intervention studies. A narrative and relational based approach requires seeing people as situated within their social and cultural contexts, and as existing within relationships that are likely to be affected by the results of screening information.

Three approaches to the disjunction between psychological measurement and psychological persons: methodological and ethical considerations.

In this paper, we take forward Schwarz's (2009) disjunction between measurement-apparatus-questionnaire and measurement-apparatus-man to examine how the crisis in contemporary psychology is related to assumptions about two sets of connections in research: connections between research tools, research behaviours, and psychological phenomena; and connections between researchers and researchees. By setting up a research problem with methodological and ethical implications, we describe three approaches that involve different assumptions and research activities in relation to the ways each makes these connections: Disassociated, Conventionally Connected and Persons in Dialogue Approaches. We argue that a Persons in Dialogue Approach is the most appropriate approach for a 21st Century psychology in crisis.

Ethics in the practice of clinical psychology.

The paper presents an overview of ethical issues in clinical psychology. Specifically, it addresses the broad philosophical ideas and views on mental illness on which ethical principles are based, including Greek philosophy and Christianity. It goes on to describe the ethical code of the American Psychological Association as it pertains to general principles, psychological assessment or psychometry, education or training and psychological interventions. The principles of the code and research on the same are discussed with relevance to issues and challenges to ethical practice in India, and suggestions for ethical conduct are made. The paper emphasises the need to consider different viewpoints and take individual responsibility for difficult decisions.

Professional ethics in pharmacy practice: developing a psychometric measure of moral reasoning.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a psychometric measure of cognitive moral development in professional ethics in pharmacy. SETTING: Pharmacy practice in Australia. METHOD: A psychometric instrument, the Professional Ethics in Pharmacy (PEP) test, was developed and validated following a systematic procedure. The theoretical foundation of the instrument was based on a hypothesised theory of cognitive moral development in professional ethics, which was integrated into a selection of scenarios experienced in practice by pharmacists in NSW, Australia. The PEP, along with the well established DIT test, was mailed in the form of a questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of 1,500 practising pharmacists. Data collected from returned questionnaires were statistically analysed to establish validity and reliability of the instrument. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The P-score calculated for each participant from DIT and PEP data and defined as a measure of principled moral reasoning, represented the main outcome measure for statistical testing. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the strength of the relationship of the PEP with the DIT (regarded as the "gold standard") in order to establish criterion and concurrent validity. Factor analysis was used to investigate construct validity. Cronbach's Alpha, a measure of reliability of the instrument, was used for indicating internal consistency. Linear regression models further investigated construct validity in relation to predictors of moral reasoning. RESULTS: Face and content validity were established by pilot and peer review. Pearson's coefficient of 0.53 indicated an acceptable level of concurrent validity. Factor analysis yielded factors closely related to the theoretical stages of cognitive moral development hypothesised, which indicated construct validity. Cronbach's alpha of 0.75 demonstrated the reliability of the instrument, and linear regression models provided further evidence of construct validity. The PEP was established as a robust instrument on several dimensions of validity and reliability. CONCLUSION: The validated PEP test has the potential to provide the pharmacy profession with valuable information for use education and research. The validation process also provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that moral reasoning in professional ethics in pharmacy is a developmental process, which has profound implications for furthering the understanding of professional behaviour.

Moral distress questionnaire for clinical nurses: instrument development.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to develop and test the psychometric properties of a culture-sensitive moral distress questionnaire among nurses employed in a variety of work settings. BACKGROUND: In the course of the last decade, there has been increased interest in capturing healthcare professionals' experiences of stress associated with ethical dilemmas. Ethical issues emerge in grey areas and are often blurred, and have thus received insufficient attention. METHOD: The study comprised two phases: a qualitative phase to elicit the culture-specific themes and a quantitative phase, comprising the design of a 15-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was then completed by a convenience sample of 179 nurses from a variety of work settings. The data were collected in 2006. RESULTS: Factor analysis resulted in three factors representing moral distress: (1) problems caused by work relationships among staff; (2) problems due to lack of resources; and (3) problems caused by time pressure. With regard to the construct validity of the questionnaire, differences between community and hospital nurses were tested, and a statistically significant difference was found between them in two among the three factors (relationships and time). The stability of the measures was examined by test-retest reliability and revealed statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument exhibits acceptable reliability and validity in the Israeli cultural context. Further research is needed to evaluate the measure in other cultural settings.

Resultados iniciales en el desarrollo de una Escala de Creencias Irracionales sobre la Separación matrimonial / Initial results in the development of a Scale of Irrational Beliefs about Divorce

En el presente artículo se ofrecen los resultados iniciales obtenidos en el desarrollode una escala para evaluar las creencias irracionales que las personas mantienen acercade su separación matrimonial, la Escala de Creencias Irracionales sobre la Separación(ECIS). La comprobación de sus características psicométricas se llevó a cabo con unamuestra de 88 personas a las que se accedió a través de diversas asociaciones de separados/as y de centros de mediación en divorcios. Los resultados obtenidos mostraronque la ECIS posee unas propiedades psicométricas aceptables en cuanto a su fiabilidady validez por lo que es posible su utilización tanto en la práctica clínica como en futurasinvestigaciones con personas separadas

In the present article we offer the initial results obtained in the development of ascale to assess irrational beliefs that people maintain about their divorce, the IrrationalBeliefs about Divorce Scale (Escala de Creencias Irracionales sobre la Separación,ECIS). The analysis of its psychometric characteristics was carried out with a sampleof 88 subjects, which was contacted through several mediation centres and associationsof separated people. The results showed that the ECIS has acceptable psychometricproperties in relation to its reliability and validity, which makes possible its use in theclinical practice as well as in future researches with divorced people