Perceived Competence Scale for Children: Testing for Factorial Validity and Invariance Across Age and Ability

Abstract For samples of normal and gifted children in Grades 5 and 8, exploratory and confirmatory (LISREL VI) factor analyses were used to investigate the factorial validity of the Perceived Competence Scale for Children (PCSC) and to test its equivalency across grade. For normal children, the PCSC demonstrated a remarkably well-defined four-factor structure; all item measurements were invariant across grade. For the gifted, however, two item measurements were nonequivalent across grade, and two items yielded significant nontarget factor loadings that were invariant across grade. Supplementary analyses yielded strong evidence of concurrent validity with the Self-Description Questionnaire, a self-rating instrument, and weak evidence of convergent validity with the Revised Class Play, a peer-rating instrument. Overall, in light of the stringency of LISREL confirmatory procedures, the PCSC demonstrated markedly sound psychometric properties.