Factor Structure

The present study examined the factor structure of the University of Tehran English Proficiency Test (UTEPT) that aims to examine test takers’ knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the responses of participants (N= 850) to a 2010 version of the test. A higher-order model was postulated to test if the underlying factor structure, obtained in a data-driven manner, corresponds with the proposed structure of the test. The results revealed an appropriate model fit with the data, pointing to the fact that the three sections of UTEPT, i.e., structure, vocabulary, and reading, and their sub-components, except for the restatement section of reading, are good indicators of written language proficiency as assessed by the UTEPT. It was also found that the three sections assess distinctive constructs. The findings suggest that UTEPT is a valid measure of the written language proficiency of Ph.D. applicants to University of Tehran.

Purpose: The present study was done to introduce an efficient tool in the field of moral behavior. Material & Method: method of the study was correlational, its approach was test developing and its population was students of Islamic Azad University- Astara and Karaj branches. The study was conducted in three stages according to topic and was sampled in three steps. First, 328 students of Astara university were selected by the multistage sampling, in the second step 42 students of that university were selected by the available method and in the third step 277 students of Karaj university were selected by the multistage sampling. Findings: Data were analyzed by the principal component analysis, Pearson correlational coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis after collecting data by the questionnaire. Three factors structures of the moral behavior styles were extracted using principal component analysis in the first step of the research and named as people-oriented, task-oriented and self-centered. Then, using the Pearson correlational coefficient revealed that scores of the extracted components have acceptable test-retest reliability. In addition to concurrent validity, using confirmatory factor analyzing showed that the three factors structure of the moral behavior styles has acceptable fit whit the collected data, in the third step. Discussion: Totally, in the base of results concluded that three components moral behavior styles inventory has acceptable psychometric properties.

Perpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F) in students. Methodology: In a descriptive-correlation and validation study, 216 and 226 graduate students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad selected through multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Ryan & Connell, 1989), Basic Need Satisfaction in Relationships (LaGuardia, et all, 2002) and Subjective Vitality Scale-State level Version (Ryan & Frederick, 1997). Internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and criterion validity were analyzed. Findings: The results showed that the scale had four-factor structure with the variance explained 67.20%. The confirmatory factor analysis was confirmed. The scale had good construction reliability. The criterion validity confirmed in relation to basic need satisfaction in relationships and subjective vitality in friendship (P≤0.01). Conclusion: The Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F) had good internal consistency as well as exploratory and confirmatory validity in students. This questionnaire can be used as a valid instrument in future studies.