Reliability and validity of the productivity environmental preference survey (PEPS)

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Understanding student learning preferences is crucial for effective pedagogy.
• The Productivity Environmental Preferences Survey (PEPS) assesses environmental factors influencing productivity.
• Baccalaureate nursing programs serve diverse student populations with varying needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the reliability and validity of the PEPS for baccalaureate nursing students.
• To identify differences in environmental learning preferences among nursing student subpopulations.
• To inform nurse educators in selecting appropriate teaching-learning strategies for diverse learners.

Main Methods:

• The Dunn, Dunn, and Price Productivity Environmental Preferences Survey (PEPS) was administered.
• Reliability and validity analyses were conducted on the PEPS data.
• Statistical comparisons were made between different student subpopulations (age, class level, sex, RN vs. generic, at-risk status).

Main Results:

• The PEPS demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity within the baccalaureate nursing student sample.
• Significant differences in environmental learning preferences were observed across various student subpopulations.
• Specific preferences varied based on factors such as age, class level, and prior nursing experience (RN vs. generic).

Conclusions:

• The PEPS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing environmental learning preferences in baccalaureate nursing students.
• Recognizing and addressing diverse student preferences can enhance the effectiveness of nursing education.
• Nurse educators can utilize PEPS findings to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.