Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
Seven methods to determine the dimensionality of tests: application to the General Self-Efficacy Scale in twenty-six
Greibin Villegas Barahona1, Nerea González García, Ana B Sánchez-García
1Universidad de Salamanca
Background:
One of the most important concepts within Cognitive Social Theory as framed by Bandura is the perceived self-efficacy; this concept became widespread in 1981 when Mathias Jerusalem and Ralf Schwarzer, using 10 items, established a one-dimensional and universal construct of this scale. The main purpose of this study is to show that the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) is not a one-dimensional and universal construct, as is currently assumed.
Method:
The data from 19,719 people from 26 countries were analyzed. In order to identify and understand invariance we applied seven multivariate statistical techniques.
Results:
The findings suggest the existence of a multidimensional structure and differential item functioning by country. Insofar as there is differential item functioning by country and it is not possible to universalize it, and there are several items on the scale that statistically constitute additional factors. The results confirm that the self-efficacy construct is neither universal nor unidimensional.
Conclusions:
A psychometric instrument must be valued and used with great care; the one in question is being used in a generalized way.
Related Concept Videos
pH Scale
Self-Efficacy
Dimensional Analysis
Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis
The unit...
Protein-Drug Binding: Determination Methods
Indirect methods involve isolating the bound drug from its free form in biological samples such as blood, serum, or plasma. These techniques aim to measure the percentage of drugs bound to proteins. Equilibrium dialysis is a commonly used method where the free drug concentration at equilibrium is measured by separating the bound...
Scaling
Dose Size and Dosing Frequency: Determination Methods

