Factor Structure of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI)

Britain A. Mills, Raul Caetano, Arianne E. Rhea

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI) is a 92-item measure covering 10 domains of research self-efficacy. A known behavioral antecedent, reliable and valid measures of self-efficacy represent a potentially useful tool in the evaluation of research training program efficacy. However, few formal psychometric studies of this instrument exist. Using exploratory factor analysis, we examine the CRAI's dimensional structure in a new sample of clinical research trainees. In contrast to the multidimensional solutions reported previously, CRAI responses in the present sample were unambiguously one-dimensional (as suggested by a dominant single Eigenvalue and parallel analysis). This discrepant finding may reflect sample differences in research experience, as unlike previous studies, participants had all already obtained a professional degree. The CRAI's dimensional structure may coalesce into a smaller number of factors as research experience is acquired, and investigators should be mindful of this possibility in future studies of the instrument.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)71-82
Number of pages12
JournalEvaluation and the Health Professions
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • CTSA
  • Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory
  • evaluation
  • exploratory factor analysis
  • translational research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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