Xianqiong Feng
Sichuan University, China
Title: Reliability and construct validity of the nursing students research competency scale
Biography
Biography: Xianqiong Feng
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Building nursing students’ research capacity and increase their research competency is one of the major educational goals for nursing programs, however, very limited valid and reliable instruments could be found to measure nursing students’ research competency. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the Nursing Students Research Competency Scale (NSRCS). Methods: Data were obtained from 194 baccalaureate nursing students in a nursing school in southwest part of China. The students from two grades were involved: grade 2011 (N=100) and grade 2012(N=94). The scale was administered before and after the course of Nursing Research. 99 were collected at the beginning of the course, 95 collected when the course was completed. Results: Cronbach's alpha for this 24-item NSRCS was 0.982. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 2-factor solution that explained 75.308% of the variance. Conclusions: The NSRCS may be a useful tool for measurement of nursing students’ research capacity and competency.