Psychometric Properties for Fear of Failure in Learning Scale Among Postgraduates: A Rasch Model Analysis

This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Fear of Failure in Learning Scale among postgraduate students using the Rasch model analysis. Fear of failure significantly impacts postgraduates’ academic performance, yet few techniques are applied for testing the reliability and validity of the Fear of Failure in Learning Scale (Choi, 2021). A total of 414 postgraduate students from the University of Malaya participated in the study. The results showed that both the items and persons had high reliability, and the separation degree was satisfactory. All items were within the acceptable range in the item fit test. Although most dimensions met the unidimensionality criteria, the self-handicapping dimension might be multi-dimensional due to the small number of items. Some items in the scale showed local dependency. The rating scale functioned well, but category “5” was selected less frequently. The item hierarchy indicated a moderate match between item and person abilities, but there were gaps in item location and overlapping items. The differential item functioning (DIF) analysis revealed no significant gender differences. Overall, the Fear of Failure in Learning Scale has excellent reliability and validity, but some items may need modification or removal. This study fills the research gap of comprehensively examining this scale using the Rasch model and provides in-depth analysis for future research, though it has limitations in sample selection and item modification.