The construct validity of a measure of the benchmarks of educational practices

Abstract

Purpose

The American University of Beruit has generated a model for student success that builds on Kuh's five benchmarks of academic practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the measures used to assess effectiveness of the benchmarks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a database of student responses to the College Outcomes Survey, scalelets representing each of the five benchmarks were constructed. Confirmatory factor analysis, correlations, and structural equation modeling were used to test the measurement model and overall fit of the data, assess the extent the constructs are interdependent, and investigate influence of benchmarks on valued student outcomes.

Findings

Results provided evidence of reliability and construct validity of the measures. The university needs studies addressing the psychometric properties of the measures used to answer fundamental questions about its institutional effectiveness and needs to know whether these findings represent true relationships or measurement error. Without psychometric information, the university cannot monitor its institutional effectiveness in meeting its goals nor the impact of new policies and practices on student outcomes.

Originality/value

The study provides insight on meaning and components of various benchmarks and their impact on desired outcomes that the university has for its students, and thus provides more useful representations that meet its needs.

Citation

El Hassan, K. (2013), "The construct validity of a measure of the benchmarks of educational practices", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 372-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-09-2012-0036