Factor analysis of the Dissertation Barriers Scale: Evidence for dimensionality and construct validity.

Abstract

The research participants consisted of 319 graduate students from APA-approved doctoral programs. Five instruments were administered for this study: Dissertation Barriers Scale (DBS), Self-Efficacy in Research Measure (SERM), Advisor Working Alliance Inventory---Student Version (AWAI-S), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a demographic questionnaire. The findings of this study indicated a 5-factor solution for the DBS and provided some evidence of reliability and validity. Also, multiple regression analyses revealed relationships between the DBS components and various subscales of the SERM, AWAI-S, and the MSPSS and the DBS total score and select demographic variables. Advisors and department chairs can use the information provided by the DBS to plan coursework, review advisor/advisee relationship characteristics, and highlight practical considerations in the personal lives of students.