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A psychometric evaluation and validation of the Preferences Scale
1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Babbidge Road Storrs, CT, USA. v.dimilia@cqu.edu.au
Chronobiology International
|September 9, 2005
Summary
The new Preferences Scale (PS) shows preliminary validity for measuring morningness and eveningness. Further research is needed to confirm its predictive power for health and work outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Preferences Scale (PS) is a novel instrument for assessing morningness-eveningness traits.
- Initial validation is crucial to establish its psychometric properties and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the measurement properties and validity of the Preferences Scale (PS).
- To develop and validate a revised model of the PS using factor analysis.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed on student and working samples.
- Principal components analysis and reliability analyses were used to refine the PS.
- Cronbach's alpha and variance explained were calculated to assess internal consistency and model fit.
Main Results:
- The original PS model structure was not optimal in initial analyses.
- A revised 6-item, 2-factor model demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73–0.74).
- Significant differences in sleep/wake times and alertness ratings were observed between morning and evening types.
Conclusions:
- The revised 6-item PS provides preliminary support as a valid measure of morningness-eveningness.
- Further validation is recommended to assess the PS's predictive efficacy concerning health and work-related variables.