Open AccessA Psychometric Analysis of the Brief Self-Control Scale
Author(s) -
Patrick D. Manapat,
Michael C. Edwards,
David P. MacKin,
Russell A. Poldrack,
Lisa A. Marsch
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
assessment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.59
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1552-3489
pISSN - 1073-1911
DOI - 10.1177/1073191119890021
Subject(s) - psychology , psychometrics , item response theory , scale (ratio) , construct (python library) , construct validity , item analysis , clinical psychology , classical test theory , perspective (graphical) , computer science , physics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , programming language
The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) is a widely used measure of self-control, a construct associated with beneficial psychological outcomes. Several studies have investigated the psychometric properties of the BSCS but have failed to reach consensus. This has resulted in an unstable and ambiguous understanding of the scale and its psychometric properties. The current study sought resolution by implementing scale evaluation approaches guided by modern psychometric literature. Additionally, our goal was to provide a more comprehensive item analysis via the item response theory (IRT) framework. Results from the current study support both unidimensional and multidimensional factor structures for the 13-item version of the BSCS. The addition of an IRT analysis provided a new perspective on item- and test-level functioning. The goal of a more defensible psychometric grounding for the BSCS is to promote greater consistency, stability, and trust in future results.