|
The Undergraduate Student SurveyUse of Factor Scales and Individual Variables in Survey Data AnalysisNational Center for Postsecondary Improvement (NCPI) research indicates that several variables factor particularly well into scales that can be used to analyze survey data. Researchers may want to consider the following list of variables and factor scales when designing survey instruments and/or analyzing survey data. NCPI scale reliabilities are listed for those interested in using some of the variable sets as factors. The scale reliabilities are based on a sample of seven institutions (two community colleges, one liberal arts college, two comprehensive institutions, and one research university). Variables and Factors extracted from the Undergraduate Student Survey
Student Expectations
Exposure to Assessment
Learning Styles
|
Category | Factor Scale Variable | Survey Question Variable Identification | Response Options |
Behaviors | Cross-Concept Learning (alpha = .82) |
For each item, indicate how well it describes you: 1. Try to relate readings to what I already know 2. Discuss theories and ideas with students outside of class 3. Making connections between readings and lectures 4. Relate ideas of one class to materials of elsewhere 5. Go beyond required reading 6. Share my ideas and materials with other students 7. Try to determine which concepts I dont understand well 8. It is good for students to help each other learn |
1=not at all like me 2=a little bit like me 3=like me 4=very much like me |
Beliefs | Preference of Group Learning (alpha = .68) |
For each item, indicate how well it describes
you: 1. Learn more in group setting than on my own 2. Think group project a waste of time 3. Find lecture-only class boring 4. Prefer lecture-based classes over students working on their own 5. Can learn important things with other students 6. It is good for students to help each other learn |
1=not at all like me 2=a little bit like me 3=like me 4=very much like me |
Satisfaction/ Expectation | Summarization | For each item, indicate how well it describes
you: 1. Satisfied when instructors give clear summary on an upcoming exam 2. Expect instructors to provide a guide detailing how to succeed in their courses |
1=not at all like me 2=a little bit like me 3=like me 4=very much like me |
Category | Factor Scale Variable | Survey Question Variable Identification | Response Options |
Behaviors | Cross-Concept Learning (alpha = .82) |
For each item, indicate how well it describes you: 1. Try to relate readings to what I already know 2. Discuss theories & ideas with students outside of class 3. Making connections b/w readings and lectures 4. Relate ideas of one class to materials of elsewhere 5. Go beyond required reading 6. Share my ideas and materials with other students 7. Try to determine which concepts I dont understand well 8. It is good for students to help each other learn |
1=not at all like me 2=a little bit like me 3=like me 4=very much like me |
Beliefs | Preferences for Group Learning (alpha = .68) |
For each item, indicate how well it describes
you: 1. Learn more in group setting than on my own 2. Think group project a waste of time 3. Find lecture-only class boring 4. Prefer lecture-based classes over students working on their own 5. Can learn important things with other students 6. It is good for students to help each other learn |
1=not at all like me 2=a little bit like me 3=like me 4=very much like me |
Resources on this Page
Factors and Variables
Student Expectations
Exposure to Assessment
Learning Styles
Innovative Approaches
Related Resources
Learning Styles: Student Preferences vs. Faculty Perceptions a report on survey data