Unidimensional Versus Domain Representative Parceling of Questionnaire Items: An Empirical Example

Abstract

Two alternative methods for parceling questionnaire items for use in confirmatory analyses are presented. The first method requires that parcels must (a) pass a minimum standard of reliability and (b) provide indications of unidimensionality to be retained for analysis. The second method requires that parcels be equally representative of the multiple aspects of a domain. The parcels may then serve as adequate indicators for the general construct. The latter method is consistent with the rationale underlying aggregation of measures, a procedure currently recommended for improving the psychometric properties of behavioral measures of personality. The two methods for parceling and a comparison are illustrated with an empirical example.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bentler, P. M. , & Bonett, D. G. (1980). Significance tests and goodness of fit in the analysis of covariance structures. Psychological Bulletin, 88, 588-606.

Cattell, R. B. (1956a). A shortened "basic English" version (Form C) of the 16 PF Questionnaire. Journal of Social Psychology, 44, 257-278.

Cattell, R. B. (1956b). Validation and intensification of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 12, 205-214.

Cattell, R. B. (1966). The scree test for the number of factors. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 1, 245-276.

Coopersmith, S. (1967). The antecedents of self-esteem. San Francisco: Freeman.

Jackson, D. N. (1974). Personality Research Form manual. New York: Research Psychologists Press.

Jöreskog, K. G. , & Sorbom, D. (1988). LISREL 7: A guide to the program and applications. Chicago, IL: SPSS.

Marsh, H. W. , & Gouvernet, P. J. (1989). Multidimensional self-concepts and perceptions of control: Construct validation of responses by children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 81, 57-69.

Nowicki, S. , & Strickland, B. R. (1973). A Locus of Control scale for children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 40, 148-154.

10.

Rotter, J. B. (1954). Social learning and clinical psychology. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

11.

Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, 80(1, Whole No. 609).

12.

Tucker, L. R. , & Lewis, C. (1973). A reliability coefficient for maximum likelihood factor analysis. Psychometrika, 38, 1-10.

13.

Waters, D. , Thomas, B. , & Streiner, D. (1990). Factor analysis of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale: Why is replication so difficult? Educational and Psychological Measurement, 50(3), 515-523.

14.

Widaman, K. F. , Gibbs, K. W. , & Geary, D. C. (1987). Structure of adaptive behavior: I. Replication across fourteen samples of nonprofoundly mentally retarded people. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 91, 348-360.