Presence Scale Development: Psychometrics and Validity

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis reports on Exploratory Factor Analyses in two pilot samples (N = 599, N = 384) and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (N = 601) in a new nationally representative sample to complete a scale to measure Presence, a newly identified construct. After the factor structure of Presence replicated in both pilot studies, the conceptual model of Presence was revised and item deletion was performed through a series of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses on both pilot datasets to evaluate item properties, such as cross-loadings, reliabilities, and model fit, in tandem with theoretical considerations. Confirmatory Factor Analyses on the final new dataset revealed that the 14 item Presence Scale exhibited strong psychometric properties and model fit. Validity analyses comparing Presence with theoretically related constructs were also examined and indicate that Presence is a novel contribution to psychology.