Applying a Multidimensional Item Response Theory Approach in Validating the Dimensionality of the Positive Youth Development Scale

Abstract

Positive youth development has gained a lot of attention recently since it acts as a protective factor for several risk behaviors and other important life outcomes in adolescents and young adults. The main objective of this study was to explore the factorial structure of the Positive Youth Development Scale (PYDS) using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). Three different models were examined: a unidimensional model, a multidimensional model with six distinct dimensions, and a multidimensional bifactor model, where each item was restricted to load simultaneously on a global positive development factor as well as a domain-specific one. Results indicated that the bifactor model provided superior model fit compared to the competing models, including a testlet and purified models. The study concludes with the advantages of MIRT models in dimensionality assessment and provides some suggestions for the improvement of the PYDS’ item characteristics.

Equidistant Response Options on Likert-Type Instruments: Testing the Interval Scaling Assumption Using Mplus

“…To control for response bias (i.e., extreme response style, acquiescence, see Bolt & Johnson, 2009), developers of the Arabic version chose to reverse-code eight items. Validity studies have confirmed the factorial structure of the Arabic PYDS (Tsaousis et al, 2021). For the purposes of the present evaluation, the 8-item Caring domain was used that assesses a person's proclivity to be empathic and caring toward others (see Appendix B).…”