Construct Validity and Reliability of the Theory Evaluation Scale: A Factor Analysis

This study aimed to expand the psychometric properties of the Theory Evaluation Scale (TES), specifically its structure, construct validity, and internal consistency. A demographically diverse sample of 113 social work faculty (N = 113) utilized the TES to appraise a social work theory and their responses were used for exploratory factor analysis purposes (EFA). Results showed that the TES (1) is a two-factor scale with both a positivist component and a constructivist component (dimensionality), (2) is a one-construct measure (construct validity), and (3) has internal consistency (reliability). These results, therefore, lend psychometric credence to the TES, which is purported to enable the analysis of theories in social work, including the ones informed by the mixed-methods research design.

Automated summary

This study aimed to expand the psychometric properties of the Theory Evaluation Scale (TES), and the results showed that TES has good structure, construct validity, and internal consistency, and can be used for the analysis of social work theories.