Evaluating Multi-Item Scales
Ron D. Hays, Peter M. Fayers · 2005
Abstract Assessing the extent to which items in multi-item scales represent hypothesized concepts is a fundamental component of the development and evaluation of QoL measures. Multitrait scaling analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are two methods of assessment that are commonly used to determine the extent to which data confirm a priori expectations about survey items. In contrast, exploratory factor analysis is a technique that can be used to help identify clusters of items not necessarily hypothesized in advance. This chapter provides an overview of the use of each of these techniques in the evaluation of multi-item scales.