Examining the Validity Structures of Three Popular Reading Motivation Measures

• In Event: Reading Research 2

Abstract

Reading motivation has long been considered important to reading research, with studies suggesting its clear connection to reading development and achievement. Despite its importance, however, our understanding of reading motivation remains hampered by issues of both conceptualization and instrumentation. While the first issue has been well documented (Schiefele et al., 2012; Toste et al., 2020), few studies have examined the reading motivation measures available. In this study, we examine the underlying factor structure of three reading motivation measures by performing confirmatory factor analysis and comparing several different models. A multitrait-multimethod model (MTMM) proved to be the best fitting model, revealing issues of both convergent and divergent validity in the three measures used. Implications for research and practice are provided.

Authors

• Kristin Conradi Smith, The College of William & Mary

• Bong Gee Jang, Syracuse University

• Ji Hoon Ryoo, Yonsei University