Psychometric Properties of the Statistical Anxiety Scale and the Current Statistics Self-Efficacy Using Rasch Analysis in a Sample of Community College Students

Community college students have rarely been the focus of study within statistical education research. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of two popular scales utilized within statistics education: Current Statistics Self-Efficacy (CSSE) and Statistical Anxiety Scale (SAS) focusing on a population of community college students. A survey was conducted on N = 161 community college students enrolled in an introductory statistics course. The unidimensional structure of the CSSE was confirmed utilizing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and after selecting the rating scale model approach, we found no misfitting items and good reliability. Concurrent and discriminant validity was examined utilizing the SAS. The SAS three-factor structure was also assessed, examining the item fit. We found that an item in the SAS subscale, Fear of Asking for Help, was flagged as misfitting. Overall, both the CSSE and SAS demonstrated sound psychometric properties when utilized with a population of community college students.