Construct Validity Study of the College Student Social Capital Scale

• In Event: Social Justice and Civic Engagement

Abstract

The College Student Social Capital Scale was developed to measure the quality of family, peer, university and cultural connections. In the first validity study, 233 first-year freshman completed a survey containing nine hypothesized social capital factors. The proposed factor structure was partially supported by an exploratory factor analysis. Items with split- and low factor loadings were deleted until a seven factor measurement model emerged. The second validity study was performed with 717 first-year college students to replicate and extend the seven factor model. An EFA replicated the initial seven factors and provided empirical support for three additional factors. Implications for future research in the measurement of college student social capital will be presented and discussed at the poster presentation.

Authors

• Scott C. Marley, Arizona State University - Tempe

• M Jeanne Wilcox, Arizona State University

• Natalie Nailor, Arizona State University

• Wendy Miedel Barnard, Arizona State University