Abstract
Little research has been conducted on the psychometrics of the very short scale (36 items) of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire, and no one-item temperament scale has been tested for use in applied work. In this study, 237 United States caregivers completed a survey to define their child's behavioral patterns (i.e., Surgency, Negative Affectivity, Effortful Control) using both scales. Psychometrics of the 36-item Children's Behavior Questionnaire were examined using classical test theory, principal factor analysis, and item response modeling. Classical test theory analysis demonstrated adequate internal consistency and factor analysis confirmed a three-factor structure. Potential improvements to the measure were identified using item response modeling. A one-item (three response categories) temperament scale was validated against the three temperament factors of the 36-item scale. The temperament response categories correlated with the temperament factors of the 36-item scale, as expected. The one-item temperament scale may be applicable for clinical use.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 197-217 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Psychological Reports |
Volume | 110 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2012 |
Keywords
- DIFFERENTIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY
- IMPROVING MEASUREMENT
- PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN
- HEALTH-EDUCATION
- EARLY-CHILDHOOD
- YOUNG-CHILDREN
- STYLE