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Research Perceived Competency Scale: A New Psychometric Adaptation for University Students’ Research Learning

Author

Listed:
  • César Merino-Soto

    (Instituto de Investigación de Psicología, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Surquillo 15036, Peru)

  • Manuel Fernández-Arata

    (Instituto de Investigación de Psicología, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Surquillo 15036, Peru)

  • Jaime Fuentes-Balderrama

    (Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Guillermo M. Chans

    (Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Mexico City 01389, Mexico)

  • Filiberto Toledano-Toledano

    (Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Basada en Evidencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, National Institute of Health, Márquez 162, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
    Unidad de Investigación Sociomédica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Arenal de Guadalupe, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
    Dirección de Investigación y Diseminación del Conocimiento, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias e Innovación para la Formación de Comunidad Científica, INDEHUS, Periférico Sur 4860, Arenal de Guadalupe, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico)

Abstract

This research aimed to adapt and validate a measuring scale of perceived research competencies among undergraduate students. Perceived research competencies of undergraduate learning can be measured with a new scale adapted from self-determination theory. We assessed the validity of this new measure applied to 307 participating undergraduates from Lima (Peru). The instrument’s survey items in the perceived competencies scale were first translated from English to Spanish and then adapted to focus on participation in research activities. We obtained evidence for (a) content validity (through item analysis), (b) internal structure with Mokken Scaling Analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the item–construct relationship, differential item functioning, and reliability, and (c) association with external variables. The items were found to function one-dimensionally, with strong item–construct relationships and no differential functioning (academic semester and general self-esteem groups). Theoretically consistent associations were found between study satisfaction and anxiety symptoms (controlling for gender, semester, and social support). We also discussed the theoretical implications and practices of this newly adapted measurement instrument.

Suggested Citation

  • César Merino-Soto & Manuel Fernández-Arata & Jaime Fuentes-Balderrama & Guillermo M. Chans & Filiberto Toledano-Toledano, 2022. "Research Perceived Competency Scale: A New Psychometric Adaptation for University Students’ Research Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12036-:d:923112
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    References listed on IDEAS

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