Validity and Convergent Dimension. Senses and Meanings of Scientific Production and Dissemination in University Environments

Abstract

Objective: to examine the dimension and the validity of the scale of use of scientific diffusion products applied to teaching-learning processes in higher education. Methodology: evaluation of the results from a sample of 61 undergraduate and graduate teachers from the Universidad de Sonora, Mexico. Results: the study suggests that the scale is best described by a three factors model and with the adjustments provided by the principal component analysis. The Bentler-Bonet standard fit index (0.88), the non-standard fit index (0.91), and the comparative fit index (0.93) are higher than recommended. Value: this is the first study with such object in the region. Conclusions: the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates convergent validity between the reviewed theoretical factors. In full harmony with the reliability of the questionnaire, an adequate and acceptable fit of the proposed structural model was evidenced, which demonstrated the validity of the construct with the observable events of the study. Consequently, the use of the scale would probably improve the knowledge about the sense and the meaning of the scientific research’s production and dissemination and its active and constructive conception in teaching-learning processes, as well as the quality of its measurement when it is carried out.