Psychometric properties of the Mastery Scale-Chinese version: Applying classical test theory and Rasch analysis

Abstract

Aims: This study examines the reliability and validity of the Mastery Scale-Chinese version (MS-C) when applied to three groups diagnosed with major depression, schizophrenia, or HIV/AIDS. Methods: The individuals participating in the study were recruited from outpatient units of a medical center and a municipal hospital in northern Taiwan. The study sample (n = 2009) included 237 patients with depressive disorders, 160 with schizophrenia, and 1612 with HIV/AIDS. The reliability and construct validity of the MS-C was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis. Results: The results of the CFA showed that the MS-C has adequate construct validity with all indices meeting the criteria, except for chi-square values. The Rasch analysis supported the four-point rating scale structure and a unidimensional construct of the MS-C. The DIF analysis showed that all items demonstrated stable measurement properties among the different diagnosis groups (major depression, schizophrenia, HIV/AIDS). Conclusion: This study found that MS-C has acceptable psychometric qualities in terms of reliability, construct validity, rating scale performance, and item characteristics when applied to patients with depression, schizophrenia, and HIV/AIDS in Taiwan.

Key words::

• CFA
• mastery
• rasch

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the National Science Council (100-2511-S-002-006-, NSC 97-2628-S-002-001-MY3, NSC93-2314-B-002-294, NSC94-2314-B-002-223, NSC95-2314-B-002-248-MY2); National Taiwan University (NTU98R001-19, NTU99R001-18), and the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI-EX97-9511PP, NHRI-EX98-9511PP, NHRI-EX99-9511PP) within the Executive Yuan of Taiwan. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Authors' contributions

Yun-Ling Chen acquired the data, analyzed and interpreted the data, drafted the manuscript and revised it critically for intellectual content, and read and approved the final manuscript. Ping-Chuan Hsiung participated in the design of the study, acquired the data, drafted the article and revised it critically for intellectual content, and read and approved the final manuscript. Lyinn Chung drafted the article and revised it critically for intellectual content, and read and approved the final manuscript. Shing-Chia Chen drafted the article and revised it critically for intellectual content, and read and approved the final manuscript. Ay-Woan Pan initiated the idea, participated in the design of the study, acquired the data, coordinated and helped to draft the manuscript, and read and approved the final manuscript

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.