Presenter(s)

• Saehee An, Rigorous Procedures for Measuring Broad and Narrow Abilities in Individuals, Temple University
• Aidan Campagnolio
• William Schneider, Professor, Temple University
• Catherine Florello, Temple University

Abstract

Many school psychology instruments measure hierarchical constructs, but omega–hierarchical subscale coefficient (omega-HS) is often misinterpreted as a reliability index. Applying conventional reliability thresholds (e.g., .50 or .75) to omega-HS can be misleading, as these exceed its construct-dependent upper bounds. This poster clarifies omega-HS’s proper interpretation and limitations, showing that many subscales approach their theoretical maximums. We present set of psychometrically rigorous procedures that can determine the utility of a subscore for an individual. With Monte Carlo simulation, our results demonstrate that measures with seemingly low omega-HS values often contain useful information that leads to reliably better understandings of individuals.