Validity and Reliability Study for the Social and Emotional Competence Assessment Scale among 60-72 Months-old Children

Abstract

In the present study, the aim is to adapt the scale developed by Merrell, Felver-Gant and Tom (2011) to evaluate Social-Emotional Competence of Children and Young People among 60-72 months old children. Data have been obtained 200 preschool children attending preschool institutions. In testing validity of the scale, expert opinions are taken regarding scope and appearance validity. To test the construct validity of the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used. As a result of exploratory factor analysis, it has been observed that variance of all items in the scale is loaded on three factors that explain 81.15% of the variance. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis it has been noticed that all coefficients demonstrating the relationship between variables and factors observed in the model showing the factorial structure of this scale are sufficient. Internal consistency coefficients for each dimension and among total items of the scale have been calculated. T-test is conducted on independent sample and sub-, upper-groups and a meaningful difference at .001 level was found. Consequently, findings relating to validity and reliability of Social and Emotional Competence Assessment Scale for 60-72 Months Children have showed that the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool.