Use of the Rasch Model for Fit Statistics and Rating Scale Diagnosis for the Student Perception Appraisal

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education Research
• Psychometrics
• Student Retention Studies

Background:

• Nursing student retention is critical for addressing workforce shortages.
• The Nursing Student Retention Student Perception Appraisal-Revised (SPA-R1) is widely used to identify retention factors.
• Psychometric evaluation enhances confidence in the SPA-R1's reliability and validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct psychometric testing of the SPA-R1 using item response theory.
• To evaluate the fit statistics and rating scale diagnostics of the SPA-R1.
• To provide further evidence for the reliability and validity of the SPA-R1 instrument.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a convenience sample of undergraduate prelicensure nursing students.
• Application of the single parameter polytomous Rasch model for psychometric analysis.
• Examination of item characteristic curves and rating scale diagnostics.

Main Results:

• The 27 items of the SPA-R1 demonstrate similar shapes and proximity, forming three clusters.
• Rasch scale diagnostics confirm monotonic increase, but large threshold distances suggest potential scale refinement.
• The scale captures mid-range retention perceptions but lacks items for the highest magnitude of influence.

Conclusions:

• The study provides additional evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the SPA-R1.
• Recommendations include adding scale steps, removing the 'does not apply' option, and considering three-domain scoring.
• These refinements aim to improve the accuracy and utility of the SPA-R1 for assessing nursing student retention.