Analysis of the Construct Validity and Measurement Invariance of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale: A Rasch Model Approach

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The Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form (CDSE-SF) is one of the most frequently used instruments to assess individual levels of career-related self-efficacy. The present study used the partial credit model within the framework of item response theory to examine the content, structural, substantive, and generalizability aspects of validity for the CDSE-SF in a sample of 534 Australian high school students aged between 14 and 19 years. The results showed clear evidence of multidimensionality for the CDSE-SF. Furthermore, there was strong support for the content, structural, and substantive aspects of validity when using the five subscales individually. Evidence of measurement invariance was found across grade levels; however, there were individual items that exhibited differential item functioning across gender, achievement level, and age groups. The implications for career counseling and research are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Career Assessment
Volume23
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)645-660
ISSN1069-0727
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Published online before print October 16, 2014

ID: 188160628