Development and examination of the psychometric properties of the Learning Experience Scale in nursing

Nurs Health Sci. 2016 Jun;18(2):196-202. doi: 10.1111/nhs.12244. Epub 2015 Sep 16.

Abstract

This paper examines the psychometric properties of the Learning Experience Scale. A survey method was used to collect data from a total of 502 nurses. Data were analyzed by factor analysis and the known-groups technique to examine the construct validity of the scale. In addition, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha, and stability was examined by test-retest correlation. Factor analysis showed that the Learning Experience Scale consisted of five factors: learning from practice, others, training, feedback, and reflection. The scale also had the power to discriminate between nurses with high and low levels of nursing competence. The internal consistency and the stability of the scale were also acceptable. The Learning Experience Scale is a valid and reliable instrument, and helps organizations to effectively design learning interventions for nurses.

Keywords: competence; continuing education; instrument development; nurses; workplace learning.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Problem-Based Learning / methods*
  • Problem-Based Learning / standards
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Psychometrics / standards
  • Surveys and Questionnaires