An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Gray-Little, Bernadette; Williams, Valerie, S. L.; Hancock, Timothy, D.; Gray-Little, Bernadette, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, grayjittle@unc.edu; Williams, Valerie, S. L., National Institute of Statistical Sciences; Hancock, Timothy, D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Журнал:
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Дата:
1997
Аннотация:
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a widely used self-report instrument for evaluating individual self-esteem, was investigated using item response theory. Factor analysis identified a single common factor, contrary to some previous studies that extracted separate Self-Confidence and Self-Depreciation factors. A unidimensional model for graded item responses was fit to the data. A model that constrained the 10 items to equal discrimination was contrasted with a model allowing the discriminations to be estimated freely. The test of significance indicated that the unconstrained model better fit the data-that is, the 10 items of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale are not equally discriminating and are differentially related to self-esteem. The pattern of functioning of the items was examined with respect to their content, and observations are offered with implications for validating and developing future personality instruments.
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