Ganime CAN GÜR
Fatma ÖZGÜN ÖZTÜRK
Introduction: Executive functions involve cognitive control processes such as organizing, regulating, and planning behaviors.
Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct the validity and reliability study of the executive functions scale developed to evaluate executive functions.
Method: Research data were collected using Google Forms via social media websites (Facebook and Instagram) and WhatsApp through a simple random sampling method. The sample group consisted of 338 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. A pilot study was conducted with a sample group of 50 people, and this data was not included in the main sample group. The study applied three stages: item pool development, content and face validity, and psychometric evaluation. The scale items were developed based on a comprehensive literature review and a content validity evaluation by six experts. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the factor structure of the scale. The scale was also evaluated for split-half reliability, composite reliability, and convergent validity.
Results: The content validity index of the scale was found to be 0.93. The final version of the scale consists of 19 items, with two sub-dimensions. According to the CFA results, the model-data fit was found to be at a good level (χ2= 258.95, df=148, p=0.000, χ2/df=1.74, RMSEA: 0.04, RMR: 0.03, SRMR: 0.03, CFI: 0.99, NNFI: 0.99, NFI: 0.98, GFI: 0.93, AGFI: 0.90, IFI: 0.99, and RFI: 0.97). The Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficients were found to be 0.90 for “Factor 1,” 0.84 for “Factor 2,” and 0.93 for the entire scale. Correlation coefficients between the item scores of the subscales ranged from 0.35 to 0.80 for "Factor 1" and from 0.54 to 0.66 for "Factor 2."
Conclusion: The Executive Functions Scale is a reliable and valid measurement tool that can be used to assess executive functions in adults.
Keywords: Cognitive processes, scale, psychiatric rating scale, executive functions, adults.