Work

Reexamining and validating a multicomponent model of in-group identification for college student belonging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We examined the validity and reliability of a model of in-group identification in a new context—university students living in residential commons in the United States. We collected survey data from fall 2020 to spring 2022 and used four cross-sectional and two panel samples in the analysis. First, we used confirmatory factor analysis to determine whether a higher-order factor model or a simpler first-order factor model better fit the data. Second, we used two panel samples to test for measurement invariance in in-group identification over time. Results indicate the simpler factor structure is a better fit to the data. Also, the measure exhibits at least scalar invariance in each panel. Our results produced a simplified version of the in-group identification model, adding to the measurement tools available to assess sense of belonging. Moreover, strong evidence of measurement invariance allows a comparison of mean differences and differences in relationships between variables across time.

Source: Cogent Education

DOI: 10.1080/2331186x.2025.2476268

Authors: Robert M. Kunovich, Dustin K. Grabsch, Abdul Wasay, Brittany Billar

Institutions: The University of Texas at Arlington, Southern Methodist University

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165

Funder: Southern Methodist University