A Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis Evaluation of Teachers' Work Related Perceptions and Reactions

Abstract

The examination of teachers' job-related reactions has recently become a popular topic of research investigations. However, strictly focusing on teachers' affective reactions (e.g., satisfaction) may provide a somewhat limited view with regard to improving teacher attitudes. Research has demonstrated that job perceptions act as a precursor to job satisfaction. Therefore, in order to obtain a broader view of teacher attitudes, one should assess both perceptions of, and affective reactions to, the work environment. A survey designed to assess both teacher perceptions and affective reactions is described and subjected to confirmatory factor analyses. An 11-factor solution provided the best fitting model to the data and was then tested using a multiple group comparison. The same 11-factor solution was identified in the second group, but the individual factor loadings were not found to be invariant across groups. Implications of the findings are discussed as well as potential future uses for the survey.

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