Validity study using factor analyses on the Defining Issues Test-2 in undergraduate populations.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Moral Development
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• The Defining Issues Test (DIT) measures moral judgment development based on Neo-Kohlbergian theory.
• The Neo-Kohlbergian approach emphasizes continuous postconventional moral reasoning development.
• Limited research has validated the internal structure and construct validity of the DIT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the construct validity of the Defining Issues Test-2 (DIT-2) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
• To compare the model fit of a bi-factor model versus a 3-factor CFA model for the DIT-2.
• To determine if the DIT-2 aligns with the Neo-Kohlbergian soft-stage model of moral development.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed a large dataset of undergraduate students.
• Employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with weighted least squares.
• Compared a 3-factor model (personal interests, maintaining norms, postconventional schemas) with a bi-factor model including Schema-General Moral Judgment (SGMJ).

Main Results:

• The bi-factor model demonstrated a superior fit compared to the 3-factor CFA model.
• Both models achieved acceptable fit indices, suggesting overall validity.
• Findings indicate the DIT-2 is a valid measure of moral reasoning's internal structure.

Conclusions:

• The DIT-2 scale is confirmed as a valid instrument for assessing moral reasoning development.
• The bi-factor model provides stronger support for the Neo-Kohlbergian soft-stage theory.
• This study validates the DIT-2's internal structure and its theoretical underpinnings.