Validation of a scale to assess self-perception of research skills in Initial Teacher Training
Keywords:
Research competencies, initial teacher education, instrument validation, psychometric properties, factor analysis.Abstract
This study was aimed at designing and validating a scale to measure the self-perceived research competencies of teacher education students. From a quantitative approach, 204 students were selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, and an 18-item Likert scale grouped into three factors was constructed. Content validity was established through expert judgment (Aiken's V > 0.943), and construct validity through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Satisfactory sampling adequacy was obtained (KMO = 0.89), along with a significant Bartlett's test (χ²(300) = 3493.703, p = .000), 54.84% of variance explained, and acceptable fit indices (CFI = 0.925; TLI = 0.914; RMSEA = 0.077); reliability reached a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.937. The data indicate that the scale has adequate psychometric properties and is useful as a diagnostic and formative tool to strengthen research in teacher education.
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