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Examining Dimensionality and Reliability of the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Reading Components and Literacy Scales for Low-Skilled Adults

Sun, April 19, 8:15 to 9:45am, Virtual Room

Abstract

This study uses extant data, PIAAC, to examine the psychometric properties of the reading component and literacy scales for low-skilled United States adults. There are few assessments specific to low-skilled adults, yet recent research suggests that child-based assessments may not be valid for adults. PIAAC represents a large-scale instrument from an entirely adult-focused framework. The reading component scales (Print Vocabulary, Sentence Processing, Passage Comprehension) emerged as unidimensional; however, Passage Comprehension items may also cluster by passage. Surprisingly, ceiling effects were present in all component scales, suggesting that these scales only differentiate among really low performing adults. We also plan to analyze results for the literacy scales (paper-based and computer-adaptive). Findings have implications for validating large-scale assessments specific to low-skilled populations.

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