Psychometric analysis of a scale of Attitude towards thesis development in Peruvian university students; [Análisis psicométrico de una escala de actitudes hacia la elaboración de la tesis en universitarios peruanos]

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of a scale designed to measure the attitude towards thesis development (ATD) among 666 Peruvian students (74.9% women), also the academic self-efficacy (ASE) and research self-efficacy (RSE) scales were used. We assessed the clarity of the items through the perception of students, while the internal structure was analyzed using exploratory structural equation modeling. The reliability was also examined, and its association with ASE and RSE, and by analyzing differences between students willing to choose the thesis as their first option against those who would not. The items have clarity and a four-factor oblique structure with modest factor loadings and complex factorial composition. A final 16-item version was established with satisfactory reliability. Furthermore, a direct relationship was found between ATD, ASE, and RSE, with higher scores among students preferring graduating through a thesis. The ATD scale shows robust psychometric properties. © 2025 Universidad Nacional de Cordoba - Facultad de Psicologia. All rights reserved.