Examining the Psychometric Properties of a Decisional Capital Instrument for Novice Teachers: Using a Multidimensional Graded Response Model

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Teacher Induction Roundtable 3 (Table 5)

Abstract

This study validated a 20-item Decisional Capital (DC) scale for novice teachers using the Multidimensional Graded Response Model (MGRM), a multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) approach. Analyzing data from 499 novice teachers, the research supported a three-subscale structure and confirmed all items as meaningful contributors. The four-response category model showed optimal fit, with item discrimination parameters ranging from 1.04 to 3.78, effectively differentiating between low and high DC levels. Difficulty estimates indicated that teachers with low DC endorsed lower response categories. The MGRM analysis provided valuable psychometric insights, supporting the scale's use in educational research and practice, and enhancing our understanding of decisional capital in novice teachers' instructional decision-making processes.

Authors

• Olasunkanmi James Kehinde, Norfolk State Uinversity

• Mubarak O. Mojoyinola, University of Iowa

• Jeff Walls, University of Iowa

• Amanda S. Mayeaux, University of Louisiana at Lafayette