The validity and reliability of the Tertiary Student Values Scale (TSVS).

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factorial composition of an instrument developed to assess value orientations in tertiary students, the Tertiary Student Values Scale (TSVS), using data from culturally diverse undergraduate dental students. METHODS: A 68-item questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire included 15 3-item subscales developed in a manner consistent with the Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck value orientation model. The psychometric properties were evaluated using a sample of students from 4 Australian dental schools. The questionnaire was administered to 364 students aged 18-50 years, mean age 21.3 years (SD 3.45 years), using a convenience sampling method. Scores on the 45 items were factor analysed using the maximum-likelihood estimation method for factor extraction with oblique rotation (oblimin). Internal consistency was examined on all of the 3-item subscales, using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The analysis indicates that the TSVS reflects the hypothesised 15-dimension construct of value orientation. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the identified 15 factors were independent of one another and were sufficiently reliable for group comparisons. With 1 exception, all subscales yielded a Cronbach's alpha > or = 0.55, the exception being 1 subscale with alpha = 0.40 (range 0.40-0.80). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that value orientation is a complex construct, but that it is quantifiable along multiple dimensions in a psychometrically valid manner. Further refinement of this instrument would increase its value as a tool for policy makers designing educational programmes and services for culturally diverse student groups.