CONSTRUCT VALIDITY OF THE EPICS SCALES ACROSS GROUPS: A MIMIC MODELING INVESTIGATION

摘要

Using the Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modeling approach, this study focused on the investigation of the construct validity of the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program evaluation instrument. Possible differential item functioning (DIF) among the observed items were detected and described. The extent to which EPICS students' gender and major are related to their evaluation on the professional skills and outcomes defined by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology's Engineering Criteria 2000 (ABET EC2000) Criterion 3 was analyzed. Results indicated that the instrument has acceptable construct validity evidence, and in general gender and major were not predictive of students' noncognitive measures (e.g., communication and teamwork skills) on the EPICS program evaluation subscales.