ArticlePDF Available

Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventory in chilean university students

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

The University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) has shown good psychometric properties in studies with different university students and diverse cultural contexts. Previous adaptation and evaluation studies in Chilean college students showed good validity and reliability results. Nevertheless, invariance studies have not been carried out in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the invariance properties of USEI in the Chilean university population. A study with an instrumental and cross-sectional type design was conducted using a sample of 468 Chilean university students. Analysis was prepared by performing a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, evaluation of configu-ral, scalar, and strict invariance measures, criterion validity, and reliability evaluation. A three-factor structure was observed, with adequate fit, reliability, and criterion validity indices. The invariance examination by gender obtained positive results for configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance measures. These results show that the University Student Engagement Inventory has good psychometric properties for use in the Chi-lean university population. El University Student Engagemet Inventory (USEI) ha mostrado buenas propiedades psicométricas en estudios con diferentes estudiantes universitarios y en diversos con-textos culturales. Estudios previos de adaptación y evaluación en estudiantes universi-tarios chilenos mostraron buenos resultados de validez y confiabilidad. Sin embargo, no se han realizado estudios de invarianza en esta población. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades de invarianza USEI en población universitaria chilena. Se realizó un estudio con diseño de tipo instrumental y transversal utilizando una muestra de 468 estudiantes universitarios chilenos. El análisis se realizó mediante Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, evaluación de medidas configurales, escalares y de invarianza estricta, así como evaluación de validez de criterio y confiabilidad. Se ob-servó una estructura de tres factores, con adecuados índices de ajuste, confiabilidad y validez de criterio. El examen de invarianza por género obtuvo resultados positivos para medidas de invarianza configural, métrica, escalar y estricta. Este resultado muestra que el University Student Engagement Inventory tiene buenas propiedades psicométricas para su uso en población universitaria chilena.
Content may be subject to copyright.
1Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología
Límite
Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología ISSN 0718-5065
revistalimite.uta.cl
2024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
The University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) has shown good psychometric
properties in studies with different university students and diverse cultural contexts.
Previous adaptation and evaluation studies in Chilean college students showed good
validity and reliability results. Nevertheless, invariance studies have not been carried
out in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the invariance properties of USEI in
the Chilean university population. A study with an instrumental and cross-sectional
type design was conducted using a sample of 468 Chilean university students. Analy
sis was prepared by performing a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, evaluation of configu
ral, scalar, and strict invariance measures, criterion validity, and reliability evaluation. A
three-factor structure was observed, with adequate fit, reliability, and criterion validity
indices. The invariance examination by gender obtained positive results for configural,
metric, scalar, and strict invariance measures. These results show that the University
Student Engagement Inventory has good psychometric properties for use in the Chi
lean university population.
Keywords: student engagement, invariance, validity, reliability, higher education
El University Student Engagemet Inventory (USEI) ha mostrado buenas propiedades
psicométricas en estudios con diferentes estudiantes universitarios y en diversos con
textos culturales. Estudios previos de adaptación y evaluación en estudiantes universi
tarios chilenos mostraron buenos resultados de validez y confiabilidad. Sin embargo,
no se han realizado estudios de invarianza en esta población. El presente estudio tuvo
como objetivo evaluar las propiedades de invarianza USEI en población universitaria
chilena. Se realizó un estudio con diseño de tipo instrumental y transversal utilizando
una muestra de 468 estudiantes universitarios chilenos. El análisis se realizó mediante
Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, evaluación de medidas configurales, escalares y de
invarianza estricta, así como evaluación de validez de criterio y confiabilidad. Se ob
servó una estructura de tres factores, con adecuados índices de ajuste, confiabilidad y
validez de criterio. El examen de invarianza por género obtuvo resultados positivos
para medidas de invarianza configural, métrica, escalar y estricta. Este resultado
muestra que el University Student Engagement Inventory tiene buenas propiedades
psicométricas para su uso en población universitaria chilena.
Palabras clave: engagement académico, invarianza, validez, confiabilidad, educación
superior
1. Universidad de Concepción,
Concepción, Chile
2. Universidad San Sebastián,
Concepción, Chile
3. Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica,
Chile
Autor correspondiente /
Correspondence:
Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz
jorgemaluenda@udec.cl
Recibido: 13 de Agosto 2024
Aceptado: 26 de Octubre 2024
Publicado: 29 de Noviembre 2024
Received: August 13, 2024
Accepted: October 26, 2024
Published: November 29, 2024
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License
Measuring invariance of the university student
engagement inventory in chilean university
students
Medición de la invariancia del inventario de
participación de estudiantes universitarios en
estudiantes universitarios chilenos
Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz1 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8148-4948
Juan Lira-Munizaga2 https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2071-2473
José Berríos-Riquelme3 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2947-4739
Matías Zamorano-Veragua2 https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3475-997X
Rodrigo Díaz-Sepúlveda2 https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1647-711X
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 2
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
2024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
1. INTRODUCTION
Academic Engagement is a complex and multidi
mensional construct that has been approached from va
rious perspectives (Fredricks et al., 2016). Although there
is consensus about its relevance to students' educational
process, its definition has generated a considerable divi
sion of opinions and positions regarding measurement
(Medrano et al., 2015) (Fredricks et al., 2016).
It is a positive predictor of academic performance
(Acosta-Gonzaga & Ramírez-Arellano, 2020; Delfino,
2019; Dunn & Kennedy, 2019; Lei et al., 2018; Maluenda-
Albornoz et al., 2022a; Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2023;
Ribeiro et al., 2019) and a greater sense of academic be
longing (Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2022a; Maluenda-Al
bornoz et al., 2022b; Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2023;
Wong et al., 2019). It has also been shown to positively
predict motivation in students with greater resilience, per
sistence, emotional connection, and self-efficacy (Abreu-
Alves et al., 2022). Furthermore, it is positively related to
the perception of positive academic emotions and acade
mic adaptability (Zhang et al., 2020a), favoring the perma
nence and completion of studies in higher education (Kor
honen et al., 2019). Along the same lines, it has shown an
inverse relationship with dropping out of studies (Maluen
da-Albornoz et al., 2021; Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2022;
Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2022a; Maluenda-Albornoz et
al., 2023; Nickerson & Shea, 2020; Zhang et al., 2020b;
Díaz-Mujica et al., 2018). On the other hand, a negative
relationship has been observed between Academic Enga
gement and disruptive variables of the university process
such as burnout and academic procrastination (Abreu-Al
ves et al., 2022; Aspeé et al., 2019; Liebana-Presa et al.,
2018; Marôco et al., 2020; Morales-Rodríguez et al.,
2019; Paloș et al., 2019; Rahmatpour et al., 2019).
The main approach in the academic context arises
from the Self-Determination Theory, which proposes the
emergence of intrinsic motivational states when the basic
psychological needs of human beings are satisfied: auto
nomy, competence, and relationship (Deci & Ryan, 2018).
From this approach, Academic Engagement is unders
tood as a three-dimensional meta-construct comprised of
three interrelated dimensions: behavioral, emotional, and
cognitive commitment (Allen & Boyle, 2023; Fredricks et
al., 2016). Academic Engagement is a high motivation
state that manifests itself in effects in these three dimen
sions (Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2023).
In the academic context, autonomy is satisfied
when a student feels that he can make decisions and is
motivated by intrinsic rather than extrinsic factors, compe
tition is stimulated when the structure of the class allows
the achievement of the results expected by the student
and the need for relationship is covered when training oc
curs in an environment of support and concern between
teachers and peers (Fredricks et al., 2016).
Based on this conceptual approach, Marôco et al.
(2016) developed an operationalization of Academic En
gagement called University Student Engagement Inven
tory (USEI). Its self-report instrument integrates behavio
ral, emotional, and cognitive aspects, inviting students to
measure their commitment to the teaching-learning pro
cess. The cognitive dimension of the USEI addresses the
thoughts, strategies, and efforts that students make to ac
quire new knowledge and skills. The emotional dimension
refers to the positive and negative feelings and emotions
experienced during the learning process concerning
classroom activities, classmates, and teachers. The beha
vioral dimension includes the actions associated with in
volvement carried out in learning spaces (Marôco et al.,
2016).
The instrument comprises fifteen items, with five
items for each factor, and has shown an adequate factor
structure for the three-factor structure in the Portuguese
population with favorable indicators of criterion validity [χ²/
df=2.26; CFI=.97; TLI=.97; RMSEA=.06] (Marôco et al.,
2016). Another study with a Portuguese population also
obtained favorable results for the three-factor structure [χ²
(87) = 286.665; p<.001; RMSEA= .051 (90%CI.045-.058);
CFI=.987; TLI=.985; NFI=.982]. Additionally, invariance
was found in terms of gender and degree areas (Sinval et
al., 2021).
A cross-cultural study carried out in nine countries
on four continents with Portuguese, English, Finnish, Ser
bian, and Chinese languages through a Confirmatory
Factor Analysis found that the instrument has the same
factorial structure proposed by the original authors with a
second-order factor. The study also found strong measu
rement invariance for gender and study area and weak in
variance for country (Assunção et al., 2020).
In a population of Italian university students stud
ying Psychology and Biology, previous research findings
are reaffirmed, obtaining a factorial structure of 3 compo
nents with good test-retest reliability. However, the instru
ment showed weak invariance for gender and area of
study, which may be due to the poor cultural appropriate
ness of the instrument (Esposito et al., 2022); these fin
dings are similar to those obtained in a previous investi
gation in that country (Assunção et al., 2020).
The version adapted and validated for Iran also ob
tained a good factor structure composed of behavioral,
emotional, and cognitive engagement, retaining the 15
items of the original version (Sharif Nia et al., 2022). In
another study with an English-language Arab population,
the original version of the instrument was used, obtaining
similar results with a good 3-component factor structure
and measurement invariance by sex (Sharif-Nia et al.,
2023).
A recent study in the Chinese population, found
that the USEI has good construct validity, internal consis
tency, and reliability with a 3-factor structure despite the
elimination of item 6 (worded in the negative) due to its
low factor loading. Gender invariance was additionally ob
served (She et al., 2023).
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 32024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
In an effort to obtain a Spanish adaptation of the USEI,
Maluenda-Albornoz et al. (2020) carried out a study of
adaptation to Spanish with cultural adaptations for use in
the Chilean university context with a sample of enginee
ring students, obtaining the same factorial structure with
good adjustment indices [χ² (75) = 210.276, p< .001; RM
SEA= .047 (95%CI: .040-.055); CFI= .967; TLI= .954],
good indicators of reliability and criterion validity.
Finally, to obtain a Spanish version for different
Spanish-speaking countries, the research evaluated the
psychometric properties of a unified version of the USEI
in 3 Spanish-speaking countries, finding similar outcomes
to previous works. The instrument presented optimal in
ternal consistency with a 3-factor structure and a second-
order factor (Freiberg-Hoffmann et al., 2022).
The previously reviewed research shows progress
in the study of instruments adapted to measure Engage
ment in the Spanish-speaking university context. These
efforts are developed due to the lack of valid and reliable
instruments in said context to use with validity and reliabi
lity (Guzmán-Arellano et al., 2024; Maluenda-Albornoz,
2021a).
There are instruments for the Spanish-speaking
university context, but they arise from adaptations from
other contexts, not from a specific design for university
students. For example, the Classroom Engagement In
ventory (Leal-Soto et al., 2023), the School Engagement
Instrument (González et al., 2022), or the Utrecht Work
Engagement Scale (Guerra y Jorquera, 2021).
Despite their availability in Spanish, these instru
ments do not necessarily consider adequate adaptations
for measurement in university students; this increases the
importance of having an instrument designed for this con
text with good psychometric properties for its reliable and
valid use.
1.1. The present study
As has been reported, evidence supports favorable
metric properties for the USEI in various cultural contexts
and even with indicators of cross-cultural invariance. In
the case of the Spanish-speaking context and specifically
in the Chilean university context, the studies replicate the
three-factor structure with their respective items.
However, no studies have been observed that test its in
variance. Consequently, the objective of the present re
search was to evaluate the invariance of the instrument
by sex in the Chilean first-year university population to
contribute to the analysis of the metric properties of the
USEI in said context.
2. METHODS
A convenience sample comprised 468 first-year
university students, 174 male (37.2%) and 294 female
(62.8%). Ages ranged from 17 to 28 years (M=19 years;
SD=4.5 years).
2.1. Design
The study was conducted with an instrumental de
sign in a cross-section of time (Ato et al., 2013). The ver
sion of the USEI used was its adaptation to the Chilean
university context, which consists of fifteen items with five
items per factor (Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2020). First,
construct validity was evaluated through a Confirmatory
Factor Analysis considering the aforementioned factorial
structure. The correlation matrices, factor loadings of
each item to the corresponding factor, and the fit indices
of the analyzed model were analyzed. The WLSMV
(Weighted Least Squares Mean Variance) method was
used to extract factors. The fit indices considered to eva
luate the factor model were the root mean error of appro
ximation (RMSEA), the non-normative fit index (NNFI),
the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), the comparative fit index
(CFI), and the non-normalized fit index (NNFI). The cut-off
values used as reference were Chi-Square (X2), not sig
nificant p>.05 (Hu et al., 1999); RMSEA less than .08 ac
ceptable; CFI, TLI, and NNFI higher than .90 (Hair et al.,
2014).
To examine the factorial invariance of the instru
ment, multisample confirmatory factor analyses were ca
rried out with JASP program version 0.17.2, using the
WLSMV (Weighted Least Squares Mean Variance) met
hod. The factorial invariance contrast was carried out by
examining the goodness of fit of the structure of each ins
trument in each of the samples of men and women (base
line). Next, configural invariance (Model 1), equivalence in
factor loadings (Model 2), and equivalence in intercepts
(Model 3) were examined. The comparison of Models 2
and 3 indices with those obtained in Model 1 was consi
dered an indicator of non-significant practical difference.
As statistical criteria, the evaluation of the good
ness of fit of each model was used with the same cut-off
points indicated above (RMSEA, NNFI, CFI, TLI). Additio
nally, because the comparison between the different nes
ted models using the maximum likelihood ratio is very
sensitive to the sample size and the lack of normal distri
bution of the data (Hair et al., 2014), Cheung & Rensvold
(2002) proposed using the increase of the CFI to determi
ne if the compared models are equivalent. When the diffe
rence between the CFI of the two models is less than .01,
equivalence is considered to exist. Additionally, it is possi
ble to compare the increase in RMSEA between the diffe
rent models where values less than .015 indicate equiva
lence between models (Putnick & Bornstein, 2016).
Finally, the estimate of the correlation between the
scores of the global inventory and each factor of the Multi
dimensional School Engagement and Disengagement
Sale (Wang et al., 2017) was incorporated as a measure
of criterion validity. A strong positive correlation with the
“Engagement” factor and a strong negative correlation
with the “Disengagement” factor of said instrument were
considered favorable criterion validity indicators.
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 42024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
2.2. Procedure
The recruitment of students was carried out th
rough the career chair to obtain permits and manage the
applications, which were carried out in the rooms where
the students regularly carried out their activities before the
start of one of their classes through paper questionnaires.
Before distributing the questionnaire, every participant
signed the informed consent, which incorporated all the
ethical aspects necessary for research in the human
sciences. It is essential to indicate that the University of
Concepción’s Ethics Committee evaluated and approved
the project and related materials.
No incentive was provided for participation. The in
formation was collected during the first semester of 2021
(the first academic semester in Chile).
3. RESULTS
The descriptive statistics (Table 1) show similar
mean values and standard deviations for men and women
on the global scale and each subscale. The skewness
and kurtosis indices have values between 0 and 2 that
are acceptable to assume a distribution of values approxi
mate to the normal distribution (Bollen & Long, 1993).
The confirmatory factor analysis was carried out
considering the three factors proposed by the original ins
trument and its adaptation to the Chilean context. The
analysis showed factor loadings between .555 and .933,
appropriate following the cut-off point established in the li
terature (Table 2).
The fit indices showed results within the parame
ters accepted by the literature (Hu and Bentler, 1999).
The RMSEA index showed a value of .034 (95% CI:
.022-.045), the CFI index value was .997, the TLI index
was .997, the NNFI index was .997, and the NFI was
.997. .993. Although the χ² index showed a significant va
lue [χ² (87) = 134.170; p<.001], this tends to overestimate
with high sample sizes, so, as a complement, the χ²/df ra
tio was calculated to obtain a value within the values ac
Valid
Missing
Global USEI
Female
294
0
Male
174
0
Behavioral
Female
294
0
Male
174
0
Affective
Female
294
0
Male
174
0
Cognitive
Female
294
0
Male
174
0
Mean
5.566
5.431
5.790
5.641
5.148
5.079
5.759
5.572
Std. Deviation
.617
.679
.806
.875
.630
.625
.866
1.021
Skewness
-.818
-.365
-.717
-.779
-.983
-.912
-.599
-.500
Kurtosis
.844
-.702
.463
.319
2.000
1.489
.139
-.564
Minimum
3.333
3.667
3.000
2.600
2.200
2.800
2.800
3.000
Maximum
6.667
6.667
7.000
7.000
6.800
6.400
7.000
7.000
Table 1
Descriptive statistics for USEI by gender
Factor
Behavioral
Item
U1
U2
Beta
.633
.666
Est. error
.021
.023
z-value
29.862
29.275
p
< .001
< .001
95% Interval
Infer.
.591
.621
Confidence
Sup.
.675
.710
U3
.622
.022
28.720
< .001
.580
.664
U4
.629
.021
29.504
< .001
.588
.671
U5
.555
.022
24.935
< .001
.511
.598
Affective
U6
.819
.013
61.630
< .001
.793
.845
U7
.879
.012
-70.742
< .001
-.904
-.855
U8
.900
.013
-70.841
< .001
-.925
-.875
U9
.933
.013
-74.445
< .001
-.957
-.908
U10
.520
.020
-26.165
< .001
-.559
-.481
Cognitive
U11
.622
.020
31.143
< .001
.583
.661
U12
.616
.020
30.098
< .001
.576
.657
U13
.569
.020
28.220
< .001
.529
.609
U14
.848
.019
43.827
< .001
.811
.886
U15
.793
.019
41.792
< .001
.756
.830
Table 2
Factorial loadings
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 52024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
cepted in the literature (χ²/df = 1.54).
When evaluating the Pearson correlation, as a
measure of criterion validity, between the global scale of
the USEI and the Engagement dimension of the Multidi
mensional School Engagement and Disengagement Sale,
a significant, positive, and strong correlation was obser
ved (r=.834, p<.001). The Disengagement measure obtai
ned a significant, negative, and strong correlation with the
USEI scale (r=-.626, p<.001).
The reliability measures tested for the USEI global
scale showed values higher than the cut-off point accep
ted in the literature in both the Cronbach's Alpha index
(α=.758) and the McDonald's Omega index (Ω=. 760).
The analysis of invariance between men and wo
men for the USEI scale followed the standard procedures
proposed in the literature: the study of configural, metric,
scalar, and strict invariance as previously indicated. The
analysis of all levels of invariance showed fit indices wit
hin the parameters accepted by the literature, the only ex
ception being the examination of strict invariance because
the NNFI, CFI, and TLI values exceeded the accep
ted limit, set at a maximum variation of .01 (Table 3).
4. DISCUSSION
Measuring the invariance of psychometric instru
ments is valuable since it provides complementary evi
dence to examine whether the theories and instruments
developed to evaluate human beings in one culture are
applicable in another (Spontón et al., 2018).
Measurement invariance is defined concerning a
group or form of a test so that the formal and substantive
meaning of the measurement is independent of them
(Elosua, 2005). Configural Invariance assumes that the
same indicators in all groups measure the latent
construct; Metric Invariance restricts the factor loadings
so that they are the same in all groups; Scalar Invariance
implies that the difference in means of the latent factor
captures all the mean differences in the shared variance
between items; and Strict Invariance implies that the spe
cific variance (what is not shared with the factor) and the
error variance (measurement error) are similar in the
comparison groups (Elosua, 2005).
Evaluating based on the erroneous assumption that
the scale measures the same construct in the same way
in all groups (Byrne & van de Vijver, 2010) can lead to in
correct results and decisions. Suppose the equivalence or
invariance of an assessment instrument is not met. In that
case, the validity of inferences and interpretations drawn
from the data may be flawed (Byrne, 2008), and conclu
sions based on group comparisons may not be valid.
The present research sought to contribute to this
direction regarding the University Student Engagement
Inventory in the Chilean population. The study’s main ob
jective was to evaluate the instrument’s invariance and
psychometric properties in Chilean university students.
The results found allow us to add evidence in favor
of preliminary studies that have shown evidence of vali
dity for a three-factor structure (Assunção et al., 2020; Es
pósito et al., 2022; Sharif et al., 2022; She et al., 2023)
and those who have studied this same composition in the
Spanish-speaking population (Freiberg-Hoffmann et al.,
2022; Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2020). Additionally, favo
rable results were found for criterion validity and reliability
in ranges similar to preliminary studies (Freiberg-Hoff
mann et al., 2022; Maluenda-Albornoz et al., 2020). The
se results imply the possibility of evaluating student enga
gement compared to academic activity at a global level
and disaggregated by subscale, contributing to a more
detailed analysis of the various academic situations. The
above allows, in practical terms, to advance in concrete
actions to promote actions aimed at improving Engage
ment levels according to the specific needs of each edu
cational system.
In global terms, the multigroup analysis that compa
red the factor models between men and women showed
favorable evidence for configural, metric, and scalar inva
riance in Chilean university students. Both the goodness-
of-fit indices, such as RMSEA and CFI, showed evi
dence in favor of invariance.
The strict invariance analysis showed good overall
*: P < .001
χ²
339.017*
336.415*
369.667*
RMSEA
.058
95% IC [.048-.068]
.059
95% IC [.049-.069]
.061
95% IC [.051-.070]
TLI
.935
.934
.929
RMSEA
.001
.003
419.910*
.064
95% IC [.055-.073]
.921
.006
TLI
.001
.006
.014
Table 3
Invariance testing for USEI
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 62024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
fit indices, a good indicator for RMSEA, but, by a small
margin, did not meet the criterion for CFI. Although this
may indicate some variation in the measurement parame
ters between the groups, this variation is not significant
enough to invalidate comparisons made with the USEI.
Furthermore, since scalar invariance is sufficient to make
statistical comparisons between group means and pat
terns of covariates, the level of strict invariance is often
not estimated (Beaujean, 2014; Davidov et al., 2014). In
this way, evidence is provided in favor of the use of the
USEI regardless of the sex of the participants.
The joint results allow us to appreciate that, similar
to preliminary studies (Sharif-Nia et al., 2023), favorable
results are observed for invariance in the multigroup
analysis by sex, and good psychometric properties obtai
ned from Confirmatory Factor Analysis, validity judgment,
and reliability. These characteristics would allow the mea
surement of Engagement in its three dimensions, beha
vioral, affective, and cognitive, in addition to the measure
ment of global Engagement in both populations in the
Spanish-speaking context.
A relevant limitation of the present study is that the
sample is limited to first-year students, and differences
specific to different degrees students take are not esta
blished because this variable was not recorded and, con
sequently, not analyzed. Additionally, due to the cross-
sectional nature of the research, causality should not be
inferred from the results, and it is suggested that causal
interpretations of the results should be avoided, as is typi
cal of longitudinal and experimental methods. Thus, the
correlation between USEI scores and criterion variables
should be analyzed cautiously.
As projections, it is suggested that the analysis of
the invariance between various cultures of the Spanish-
speaking context be advanced to avoid interpretive errors
when there are relevant cultural differences between va
rious contexts. Likewise, it would be relevant to examine
possible differences between the degrees being studied
that may add differentiating components to the use of this
instrument.
5. CONCLUSIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
This article contributes new evidence about the va
lidity of this inventory by using invariance (by gender),
construct, and criterion validity tests. It also presents evi
dence about the reliability of the global scale and by di
mension. All these results confirm previous research that
showed its quality and contribute to consolidating know
ledge that allows scholars, educational managers, and ot
hers to use it in university students to measure Engage
ment during the educational process.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with
respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of
this article.
FUNDING
The author declares no sources of funding for this re
search.
ETHICAL APPROVAL
The study conforms to the ethical principles of the Decla
ration of Helsinki and was authorized by the Ethical Re
search Committee of the University of Concepción.
INFORMED CONSENT
Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was
sought from each participant itself.
REFERENCES
Abreu Alves, S., Sinval, J., Lucas Neto, L., Marôco, J.,
Goncalves Ferreira, A. & Oliveira, P. (2022). Bur
nout and dropout intention in medical students: The
protective role of academic engagement. BMC Me
dical Education, 22(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/
10.1186/s12909-021-03094-9
Acosta-Gonzaga, E. & Ramírez-Arellano, A. (2020). Estu
dio comparativo de técnicas de analítica del apren
dizaje para predecir el rendimiento académico de
los estudiantes de educación superior.
CienciaUAT, 15(1), 63-75. http://dx.doi.org/
10.29059/cienciauat.v15i1.1392
Allen, K-A. & Boyle, C. (2023). School belonging and stu
dent engagement: the critical overlaps, similarities,
and implications for student outcomes. En S. L.,
Christenson, A. L., Reschly & C. Wylie, C. (Eds.),
Handbook of Research on Student Engagement
(2a ed., pp. 133-154). Springer. http://www.doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-031-07853-8_7
Aspeé, J., González, J. & Cavieres-Fernández, E. (2019).
Instrumento para medir el compromiso estudiantil
integrando el desarrollo ciudadano, una propuesta
desde latinoamérica. Revista Complutense de Edu
cación, 30(2), 399-421. http://dx.doi.org/10.5209/
RCED.57518
Assunção, H., Lin, S-W., Sit, P-S., Cheung, K-C., Harju-
Luukkainen, H., Smith, T., Maloa, B., Campos, J. A.
D. B., Ilic, I. S., Esposito, G., Freda, M. F. & Marô
co, J. (2020). University Student Engagement In
ventory (USEI): Transcultural Validity Evidence
Across Four Continents. Frontiers in Psychology,
10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02796
Ato, M., López-García, J. J. & Benavente, A. (2013). Un
sistema de clasificación de los diseños de investi
gación en psicología. Anales de Psicología, 29(3),
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 72024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
1038-1059. https://doi.org/10.6018/
analesps.29.3.178511
Beaujean, A. A. (2014). Latent variable modeling using R:
A step-by-step guide. Routledge.
Bollen, K. A. & Long, J. S. (1993). Testing structural
equation models. Sage.
Byrne, B. (2008). Testing for multigroup equivalence of a
measuring instrument: A walk through the process.
Psicothema, 20(4), 872-882. https://www.re
dalyc.org/pdf/727/72720455.pdf
Byrne, B. M. & van de Vijver, F. (2010). Testing for mea
surement and structural equivalence in large-scale
cross-cultural studies: Addressing the issue of no
nequivalence. International Journal of Testing,
10(2), 107-132. http://dx.doi.org/
10.1080/15305051003637306
Cheung, G. W. & Rensvold, R. B. (2002). Evaluating
goodness-of-fit indexes for testing measurement in
variance. Structural Equation Modeling, 9(2),
233-255. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328007SE
M0902_5
Davidov, E., Meuleman, B., Cieciuch, J., Schmidt, P. & Bi
lliet, J. (2014). Measurement equivalence in cross-
national research. Annual Review of Sociology,
40(1), 55-75. http://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-so
c071913-043137
Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Self-determination
Theory. Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation,
Development, and Wellness. The Guilford Press.
Delfino, A. P. (2019). Student Engagement and Academic
Performance of Students of Partido State Univer
sity. Asian Journal of University Education, 15(3),
42-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v15i3.05
Guerra, F. y Jorquera, R. (2021). Análisis psicométrico de
la Utrecht Work Engagement Scale en las versio
nes UWES-17S y UWES-9S en universitarios chile
nos. Revista Digital de Investigación en Docencia
Universitaria, 15(2). https://dx.doi.org/10.19083/
ridu.2021.1542
Díaz-Mujica, A., García, D., López, Y., Maluenda, J., Her
nández, H., & Pérez-Villalobos, M. (2018). Media
ción Del Ajuste Académico Entre Variables Cogniti
vo-Motivacionales y la Intención de Abandono en
primer año de Universidad. Congresos CLABES.
Recuperado a partir de https://revistas.utp.ac.pa/in
dex.php/clabes/article/view/1934
Dunn, T. J. & Kennedy, M. (2019). Technology Enhanced
Learning in higher education; motivations, engage
ment and academic achievement. Computers and
Education, 137, 104-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
compedu.2019.04.004
Esposito, G., Marôco, J., Passeggia, R., Pepicelli, G. &
Freda, M. F. (2022). The Italian validation of the
University Student Engagement Inventory. Eu
ropean Journal of Higher Education, 12(1), 35-55.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21568235.2021.1875018
Elosua, P. (2005). Evaluación progresiva de la invarianza
factorial entre las versiones original y adaptada de
una escala de autoconcepto. Psicothema, 17(2),
356-362.
Fredricks, J. A., Filsecker, M. & Lawson, M. A. (2016).
Student engagement, context, and adjustment: Ad
dressing definitional, measurement, and methodo
logical issues. Learning and Instruction, 43, 1-4.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2016.02.002
Freiberg-Hoffmann, A., Romero-Medina, A., Curione, K. &
Marôco, J. (2022). Adaptación y validación trans
cultural al español del University Student Engage
ment Inventory. Revista latinoamericana de psico
logía, 54, 187-195. https://doi.org/10.14349/
rlp.2022.v54.21
González, L., Oñate, V., Longos, M., Espinoza, L., Lema,
C., Pérez-Salas, C. y Sáez-Delgado, F. (2022).
Análisis Psicométrico del Instrumento de Compro
miso Escolar (SEI) en Estudiantes Secundarios en
Chile. Revista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico y
Evaluación e Avaliação Psicológica. RIDEP,
65(4), 47-60. 2 https://doi.org/10.21865/RIDE
P65.4.04
Guzmán Arellano, C., Solar-Alveal, B., & Maluenda-Albor
noz, J. (2024). Engagement agéntico: un análisis
sobre su uso en el contexto educativo hispanoha
blante. Wimb Lu, 19(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/
10.15517/wl.v19i1.55260
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J. & Anderson, R. E.
(2014). Multivariate Data Analysis. (7a ed.), Pear
son Education.
Hu, L., Bentler, P. M. & Hu, L. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit
indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conven
tional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural
Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal,
6(1), 1-55. https://doi.org/
10.1080/10705519909540118
Korhonen, V., Mattsson, M., Inkinen M. & Toom, A.
(2019). Understanding the multidimensional nature
of student engagement during the first year of hig
her education. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://
www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01056
Leal-Soto, F., Cuadros Jiménez, O., Ferrer-Urbina, R., &
Dávila, J. (2023). Adaptación y validación del In
ventario de Compromiso con la Clase en estudian
tes secundarios y universitarios de Argentina, Boli
via y Chile. Revista Liminales. Escritos Sobre Psi
cología y Sociedad, 12(24), 149-168. https://
doi.org/10.54255/lim.vol12.num24.780
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 82024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
Lei, H., Cui, Y. & Zhou, W. (2018). Relationships between
student engagement and academic achievement: a
meta-analysis. Social Behavior and Personality,
46(3), 517-528. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.7054
Liebana-Presa, C., Fernández-Martínez, M. E., Vázquez-
Casares, A. M., López-Alonso, A. I. & Rodríguez-
Borrego, M. A. (2018). Burnout and engagement
among university nursing students. Enfermería Glo
bal, 17(2), 131-152. https://doi.org/10.6018/
eglobal.17.2.268831
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Contreras, M., Mujica, A. & Ber
nardo, A. (2020). Propiedades psicométricas del
University Student Engagement Inventory en estu
diantes de Ingeniería chilenos. Revista Iberoameri
cana de Diagnóstico y Evaluación - e Avaliação
Psicológica, 57(4), 77-90. https://www.doi.org/
10.21865/RIDEP57.4.06
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Gutiérrez, A. B., Galve-González,
C., Flores-Oyarzo, G., Infante-Villagrán, V. & Díaz-
Mujica, A. (2021). Variables predictoras de la ex
pectativa de desempeño y la intención de aban
dono en contexto de educación virtual de emergen
cia en estudiantes universitarios chilenos. Revista
Caribeña De Investigación Educativa, 5(2), 81-91.
https://doi.org/10.32541/recie.2021.v5i2.pp81-91
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Flores-Oyarzo, G., Bernardo, A.,
& Díaz-Mujica, A. (2021a). Correlatos conductuales
del Compromiso Académico en estudiantes de In
geniería chilenos. Trilogía Ciencia Tecnología So
ciedad, 13(24), 98-122. https://doi.org/
10.22430/21457778.1754
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Infante Villagrán, V., Chacano
Osses, D., Gaete Cser, D. & Galve González, C.
(2022). Integración social en la universidad durante
la pandemia: predictores de la intención de aban
dono en estudiantes de primer año. Revista De La
Educación Superior, 51(204), 101-116. https://
doi.org/10.36857/resu.2022.204.2282
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Infante-Villagrán, V., Galve-Gon
zález, C., Flores-Oyarzo, G. & Berríos-Riquelme, J.
(2022a). Early and Dynamic Socio-Academic Varia
bles Related to Dropout Intention: A Predictive Mo
del Made during the Pandemic. Sustainability,
14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020831
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Bazignan C. & Rojas, X. (2022b).
Belonging to Engineering During the First Year in
Online Education. En 41st International Conference
of the Chilean Computer Science Society (SCCC).
IEEE (pp. 1-6) https://www.doi.org/10.1109/SCC
C57464.2022.10000341
Maluenda-Albornoz, J., Berríos-Riquelme, J., Infante-Vi
llagrán, V. & Lobos-Peña, K. (2023). Perceived So
cial Support and Engagement in First-Year Stu
dents: The Mediating Role of Belonging during CO
VID-19. Sustainability, 15(1) https://doi.org/
10.3390/su15010597
Marôco, J., Assunção, H., Harju-luukkainen, H., Lin, S.,
Sit, P., Cheung, K., Maloa, B., Ilic, I. S., Smith, T. J.
& Campos, J.A.D.B. (2020). Predictors of academic
efficacy and dropout intent ion in university
students: Can engagement suppress burnout?
PLoS ONE, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.
pone.0239816
Marôco, J., Marôco, A. L., Campos, J. A. D. B. & Fre
dricks, J. A. (2016). University student’s engage
ment: Development of the university student enga
gement inventory (USEI). Psicologia: Reflexão e.
Crítica, 29(21), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/
s41155-016-0042-8
Medrano, L. A., Moretti, L. & Ortiz, A. (2015). Medición
del Engagement Académico en Estudiantes Uni
versitarios. Revista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico
y Evaluación - e Avaliação Psicológica, 2(40),
114-124.
Morales-Rodríguez F. M., Pérez-Mármol J. M. & Brown T.
(2019). Education Burnout and Engagement in Oc
cupational Therapy Undergraduate Students and
Its Associated Factors. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02889
Nickerson, L. A. & Shea, K. M. (2020). First-Semester or
ganic chemistry during COVID-19: prioritizing group
work, flexibility, and student engagement. Journal
of Chemical Education, 97(9), 3201-3205. https://
doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00674
Paloș, R., Maricuţoiu, L. P. & Costea, I. (2019). Relations
between academic performance, student engage
ment and student burn-out: A cross-lagged analysis
of a two-wave study. Studies in Educational Eva
luation, 60, 199-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stue
duc.2019.01.005
Putnick, D. L. & Bornstein, M. H. (2016). Measurement in
variance conventions and reporting: The state of
the art and future directions for psychological re
search. Developmental Review, 41, 71-90. https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2016.06.004
Rahmatpour, P., Chehrzad, M., Ghanbari, A. & Sadat-
Ebrahimi, S-R. (2019). Academic burnout as an
educational complication and promotion barrier
among undergraduate students: A cross-sectional
study. Journal of Education and Health Promotion,
8(1), 201-201 https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jeh
p_165_19
Sharif Nia, H., Azad Moghddam, H., Marôco, J., Rahmat
pour, P., Allen, K-A., Kaur, H., Kaveh, O., Gorgulu,
O. & Pahlevan Sharif, S. (2022). A Psychometric
Lens for E-Learning: Examining the Validity and
Reliability of the Persian Version of University Stu
Límite | Revista Interdisciplinaria de Filosofía y Psicología 92024 | 19: 24 | DOI: 10.4067/s0718-50652024000100224
Measuring invariance of the university student engagement inventoryMaluenda-Albornoz et al.
dents’ Engagement Inventory (P-USEI). The Asia-
Pacific Education Researcher, 1-10. https://doi.org/
10.1007/s40299-022-00677-y
Sharif-Nia, H., Marôco, J., Rahmatpour, P., Ghahrani, N.,
Muhammad Ibrahim, F., Mohammad Ibrahim, M. &
Kaveh, O. (2023). Psychometrics evaluation of the
university student engagement inventory in online
learning among Arab students. BMC Nursing, 22.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01318-5
She, L., Khoshnavay Fomani, F., Marôco, J., Allen, K-A.,
Sharif Nia, H. & Rahmatpour, P. (2023). Psycho
metric properties of the university student engage
ment inventory among Chinese students. Asian As
sociation of Open Universities Journal, 18(1),
46-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/
AAOUJ-08-2022-0111
Sinval, J., Casanova, J. R., Marôco, J. & Almeida, L. S.
(2021). University student engagement inventory
(USEI): Psychometric properties. Current Psycho
logy 40(4), 1608-1620. https://doi.org/10.1007/
s12144-018-0082-6
Spontón, C., Castellano, E., Salanova, M., Llorens, S.,
Maffei, L. & Medrano, L. A. (2018). Evaluación de
un modelo sociocognitivo de autoeficacia, burnout
y engagement en el trabajo: análisis de invarianza
entre Argentina y España. Psychologia, 12(1),
89-101. https://www.doi.org/
10.21500/19002386.3226
Wang, M-T., Fredricks, J., Ye, F., Hofkens, Y. & Schall
Linn. J. (2017). Conceptualization and Assessment
of Adolescents’ Engagement and Disengagement
in School: A Multidimensional School Engagement
Scale. European Journal of Psychological Assess
ment, 35(4), 1-15. https://doi.org/
10.1027/1015-5759/a000431
Wong, T. Y., Parent, A-M. & Konishi, C. (2019). Feeling
connected: the roles of student-teacher relations
hips and sense of school belonging on future orien
tation. International Journal of Educational Re
search, 94, 150-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.ijer.2019.01.008
Zhang, D., Bobis, J., Wu, X. & Cui, Y. (2020b). effects of
an autonomy-supportive teaching intervention on
Chinese physics students and their teacher. Re
search in science education, 50(2), 645-671.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-018-9706-y
Zhang, K., Wu, S., Xu, Y., Cao, W., Goetz, T. & Parks-
Stamm, E. J. (2020a). Adaptability promotes stu
dent engagement under COVID-19: the multiple
mediating effects of academic emotion. Frontiers in
Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/
fpsyg.2020.633265
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
La necesidad de dar cuenta del componente volitivo en el Engagement académico ha traído como consecuencia la propuesta de una cuarta dimensión denominada engagement agéntico. Sin embargo, su uso en el contexto hispanohablante ha sido escaso, poco claro e inconsistente. El objeto de este estudio es analizar los usos del concepto engagement agéntico en la investigación disponible en el contexto educativo latinoamericano. Se realizó un ensayo analítico basado en una revisión de artículos recientes en la temática de engagement agéntico aplicado en contextos hispanohablantes. La discusión realizada plantea que la literatura actual coincide con la delimitación teórica original del constructo, pero presenta una aproximación principalmente funcional que excluye elementos relevantes en su aplicación vinculados con el disfrute e interés personal del estudiante, la relación con sus pares en el aprendizaje y los comportamientos de agencia fuera del aula o no observables. Se concluye que la investigación hispanohablante necesita profundizar en las variables intrínsecas e intereses personales del alumno al trabajar el engagement agéntico, así como incorporar las conductas externas al aula de clases y el trabajo entre pares como una manifestación relevante y esencial del constructo, dada su relación significativa con el desarrollo de estados motivacionales intrínsecos en el alumno.
Article
Full-text available
xxEl compromiso con la clase ha cobrado gran relevancia, ya que permite visualizar el grado en que los estudiantes están involucrados con las actividades dentro del aula, producto de su motivación por aprender. Pese a ello, este constructo se ha investigado menos que otro similar pero menos específico, el compromiso escolar. Asimismo, conviene explorar sus alcances en estudiantes universitarios. El presente trabajo busca responder a estos desafíos. Concordantemente, el objetivo consiste en adaptar y validar el Classrroom Engagement Inventory (CEI, Inventario de Compromiso con la Clase) en estudiantes latinoamericanos de secundaria y educación superior. Se tradujo al español y adaptó el Classrroom Engagement Inventory, que mide cinco dimensiones de compromiso con la clase. El instrumento fue administrado a 446 estudiantes secundarios chilenos y 747 universitarios en Argentina, Bolivia y Chile (estudio 1) y, junto a otros dos instrumentos, a 130 estudiantes secundarios chilenos, para establecer evidencia de validez basada en la relación con otras variables (estudio 2). El estudio 1 implicó análisis de fiabilidad, análisis factorial confirmatorio y análisis multigrupo; el estudio 2, correlación y regresión sobre compromiso. Los resultados confirmaron la estructura de cinco factores correlacionados (compromiso afectivo, compromiso compelido, compromiso activo, compromiso cognitivo y desconexión), su invarianza entre niveles educativos y nacionalidad, y la capacidad predictiva de autoestima colectiva y atribución de causalidad sobre compromiso con la clase. Se concluye que el instrumento resulta apropiado para su uso en estudiantes latinoamericanos, tanto de secundaria como de educación superior.
Article
Full-text available
Aim Student’ engagement is a predictor of various educational outcomes, and it is a key factor in perceived learning. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) among students of Arab universities. Methods In this cross-sectional methodological study 525 Arab university students participated. Data was collected from December 2020 to January 2021. The confirmatory factor analysis used for construct validity, reliability and Invariance analysis for Sex were evaluated. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indices confirmed the good model fit to the data (CFIscl=0.977, NFIscl=0.974, TLIscl=0.972, SRMR = 0.036, RMSEAscl=0.111, n = 525). All tested models showed strong invariance of the USEI between male and females. There was also evidence of convergent (AVE > 0.7 for all the scales) and discriminant validity (HTMT > 0.75 for all scales). Reliability evidence for the USEI measures in the sample of Arabic students was high (αordinal and ω above 0.86). Conclusion The results of this study support the validity and reliability of the USEI with 15 items and 3 factors and demonstrate the importance of students’ engagement in the learning process, academic progress, and self-directed learning.
Article
Full-text available
Purpose Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, student engagement in online learning has been a critical issue for all educational institutions. The university student engagement inventory (USEI) is the most used scale for assessing the construct of student engagement. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the USEI among 1504 Chinese university students who completed a survey through an online platform between December 2020 and January 2021. Design/methodology/approach In this cross-sectional study, content validity, construct validity and reliability of the scale were assessed. Findings The results supported the three-factor model with acceptable goodness-of-fit ( χ ² (71) = 369.717, p = 0.13, χ ² /df = 5.207, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.967, normed fit index (NFI) = 0.960, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.958, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.030, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) (90% CI) = 0.053 [0.049, 0.057]), good internal consistency and construct reliability (Cronbach's alpha and omega coefficient >0.70), and strong convergent validity. Also, the measurement invariance was confirmed across gender. Originality/value This study showed that the 3-factor structure of USEI with Chinese university students had good construct validity, internal consistency and reliability. It could help measure student engagement in online learning in China.
Article
Full-text available
Academic engagement and the conditions that favor it have become relevant in recent decades due to their relationship with academic performance, well-being, and university permanence. Variables such as perceived social support and sense of belonging are relevant aspects of social integration to promote engagement. Evidence shows both variables predicting engagement. In addition, the available evidence suggests this possible mediating role, which requires further analysis in freshmen in the emergency teaching context due to the COVID-19. The present study aims to evaluate the mediating role of sense of belonging in the relationship between perceived social support and engagement in university students. Results showed significant predictive relationships between social integration variables and engagement and showed the mediating role of sense of belonging in the relation between perceived social support and the three types of engagement. These results suggest the relevance for degree programs to consider these social integration variables as a key element for university freshmen.
Article
Full-text available
El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar un modelo predictivo de la intención de abandono universitario, conformado por variables que afectan la integración social de los estudiantes, durante el inicio de la pandemia covid-19, en estudiantes universitarios chilenos. Se utilizó un diseño asociativo-predictivo con 459 estudiantes de primer año (67% hombres, 33% mujeres) cursando de forma remota, a quienes se aplicó una encuesta virtual para medir la relación entre estas variables y la intención de abandono entre mayo y junio de 2020. El sentido de pertenencia, el aislamiento social y la incertidumbre percibidas mostraron ser predictores, con la incertidumbre percibida como el mayor predictor de la intención de abandono y de detener temporalmente los estudios. A partir de estos resultados es posible concluir la relevancia de los factores sociales estudiados frente a la intención de abandono y su valor predictivo en las condiciones particulares de la situación sanitaria.
Article
Full-text available
Introducción: el compromiso académico hace referencia a la predisposición que los estudiantes tienen a participar de manera activa en la vida universitaria, asistiendo a las clases, entregando los trabajos a tiempo y siguiendo las instrucciones de los docentes. Existe evidencia que demuestra que el compromiso académico predice positivamente el éxito de los estudiantes. Por esta razón, es que su evaluación cobra gran relevancia para el ámbito educativo universitario a la hora de diseñar prácticas pedagógicas que estimulen el compromiso de los alumnos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue adaptar y validar la versión del University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) al español, contemplando diferencias lingüísticas y culturales de tres países hispanohablantes. Método: participaron 921 estudiantes universitarios de España, Argentina y Uruguay. Se aplicó el USEI que consta de 15 afirmaciones agrupadas en tres dimensiones de compromiso: conductual, cognitivo, emocional. Resultados: después de que tres traductores realizaran la adaptación lingüística del instrumento, nueve jueces expertos analizaron el contenido de los ítems y conservaron como resultado la totalidad de los reactivos. Más adelante, se analizó y verificó la estructura interna del instrumento -análisis factorial confirmatorio, validación cruzada, invarianza factorial, consistencia interna-, y también se obtuvo adecuada evidencia de validez externa concurrente entre las dimensiones del USEI y los enfoques de aprendizaje. Conclusión: se obtuvo una versión en español del USEI con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas que puede ser empleado en el ámbito de aplicación con el propósito de identificar el compromiso académico de los estudiantes y proponer acciones orientadas a mejorar sus aprendizajes.
Article
Full-text available
Student engagement is a critical component of e-learning, which became an important focus for most academic institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. University students’ engagement is measured using various scales with different subscales. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the University Student Engagement Inventory (P-USEI). A cross-sectional methodology study was conducted among Iranian university students (n = 667) from April to May 2020. After forward–backward translation, the content, and construct validity, and reliability of the scale were assessed. The results obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the P-USEI has three factors: cognitive, emotional, and behaviour. The findings of the study supported the adequate reliability, factorial, convergent, and discriminant validities of P-USEI in a sample of Iranian students. The P-USEI dimensions have predictive value for important academic variables that can be generalized by developing the research through a psychometric evaluation on student engagement.
Article
Full-text available
Introduction The influence of burnout, academic engagement, and their interaction in dropout intention among medical students should be further studied. Current research shows its consequences are relevant, however, there is little understanding on burnout and academic engagement moderation in dropout intention. The current study tested a model that relates the effects of coping strategies, social support satisfaction, general distress on academic engagement, burnout, and dropout intention, on medical students. Methods Through an online survey a non-probabilistic sample of one Medical Faculty's 1st- and 2nd-year students was recruited. Cross-sectional data were collected using psychometric instruments (Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey, Social Support Satisfaction Scale for College Students, Brief COPE Scale for College Students, University Student Engagement Inventory, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), sociodemographic and academic variables, and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results 532 students (76% response rate) enrolled in the study. Latent variables structural model presented a satisfactory fit to the data and confirmed the expected negative path between burnout and dropout intention (β DI<-SB =0.430; p <.001) and the latent moderation burnout x engagement (β DI<-SB*SE =-0.218; p <.001). Conclusion Academic engagement attenuates the impact of burnout on dropout intention, working as a protective factor. Social support satisfaction and adaptive coping are associated with increased levels of academic engagement, and general distress and maladaptive coping are associated with burnout. Medical Schools should develop interventions to prevent dropout intention, tackle students' stress and academic challenges, and develop their academic engagement levels.