Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity of the Student School Engagement Measure
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective
Published on: July 1, 2015
Cynthia E Hazel1, G Emma Vazirabadi2, Jennifer Albanes3
1Child, Family, and School Psychology, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the convergent and discriminant validity of the Student School Engagement Measure (SSEM) with 3 other measures of student well-being: (a) the School Engagement Scale, (b) the Student Engagement Instrument, and (c) the Student Life Satisfaction Survey. The data were analyzed from 370 8th-grade students from 3 middle schools in an urban school district. As hypothesized, strong and significant positive correlations (.80) were found between the SSEM and the 2 measures of engagement (the School Engagement Measure and the Student Engagement Instrument). Also as hypothesized, a weak but significant positive correlation (.35) was found between the SSEM and a measure of life satisfaction (the Student Life Satisfaction Survey). These findings provide additional support for using the SSEM as a valid measure of adolescents' engagement with school.
Related Concept Videos
Reliability and Validity
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Report Tests of Personality
