An analysis of the psychometric properties of the social responsibility goal orientation scale using adolescent data from Sweden

Abstract

In the Achievement Goal Theory, different reasons for learning are contrasted. Mastery and Performance are most commonly used while less attention is paid to Social Responsibility goal orientations, despite that this is an integral part of many curricula. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the psychometric properties of a scale of Social Responsibility goal orientation by means of the polytomous Rasch model. The analysis is based on longitudinal data among Swedish students. One cohort (born 1992) of students in school year 9 (15-16 years old) were subjected to analysis. In total, 6,010 students responded to a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. A scale consisting of six polytomous items is analysed. General-fit statistics as well as their graphical representations (ICC) are used to evaluate the fit to the Rasch model. The social responsibility scale seems to fit the Rasch model fairly well, with good separation of individuals, and showing no reversed item thresholds, i.e., the response categories work as intended. However, there are indications of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) by gender and local dependency.