Factorial Assessment of Rated Work Performance with Entry Level Psychiatric Aides

Abstract

A principal-components factor analysis of a 54-item work-performance rating scale with 173 entry-level psychiatric aides yielded three interpretable factors, Factor I: charting, record-keeping, and basic nursing care, Factor II: general work habits and compliance with rules, and Factor III: therapeutic interaction with patients. Comparisons of factorial and conceptual scoring methods yielded no differences in verbal-selection test/work-performance validities and no race or sex differences using either method. It was noted, however, that the use of factor analysis contributed to the construct validity of the scale and identified the major components of variance.