Measuring Student Trust: A Second-Order Factor Model

• In Event: Understanding the Interaction Between School Culture, Leadership, and Trust

Abstract

This research proposes and tests a measure of student trust. Though research conceptualizes trust as a multi-faceted construct, it frequently relies on composite or single factor measures that make it difficult to clearly identify and draw conclusions about the role of these sub-components. The Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 is used to create a second order factor model of student trust, with first order factors representing benevolence, competence, and integrity. Specifying trust as a second order factor is an advance in the measurement of trust. It not only provides a mechanism for measuring student trust, but also facilitates assessment of the relative contributions of widely recognized facets of trust.

Author

• Lisa S. Romero, California State University - Sacramento