The Development Of The Rating Scale Of Self-directed Learning Competence For Nurses

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to develop a Chinese scale of the self-directed learning competence for nurses with good reliability and validity, in order to provide an objective evidence for assessing the competence of self-directed learning of nurses.MethodsBased on the knowledge of practice and theory of self-directed learning, the original inventory was established by reviewing literature and consulting experts. Then the inventory was to be evaluated by a panel of 5 experts. The inventory contained 50 items, which were classified into 4 dimensions according to similar qualities: self motivational beliefs, task analysis, self monitor and regulation, and self evaluation. 260 nurses in the 1st and shengjing affiliated hospital of China Medical University were employed to answer the questionnaire. All quantitative data of questionnaire survey was analyzed by SPSS11.5 for testing its reliability and validity of the scale. 34 items were remained by examining discrimination and related coefficients of each item. The statistical analysis methods of the internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and split-scale reliability), correlation analysis and factor analysis were used.Results1,Reliability of the scaleWe tested the internal consistency including Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and the split-scale reliability. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of the overall scale was 0.944, while the 4 dimensions were 0.701～0.887; the split-scale reliability coefficient of the whole scale was 0.894,4 dimension were 0.721～0.832. We concluded the internal consistency reliability was satisfying.2,Validity of the scaleThe content validity index (CVI) for the overall scale was 0.97 and for each dimension was 0.95～1. The correlation analysis indicated that the structure of the scale was excellent. The result of factor analysis was also good. With the method of principle components, 4 factors were extracted on the standard that eigenvalues is over 1. Loading for each factor was over 0.3. The result indicated that the structure of the scale was similar to the theory construction. The scale also had separating capability.ConclusionsThe developed scale in this study showed excellent reliability and validity and was an appropriate measure instrument that can be used to assessing the self-directed learning competence of nurses.