There has been longstanding interest in affective characteristics in
both educational and corporate environments. While each domain has
produced its own set of theorists and researchers, the work of some,
such as Bandura, has found a place in the literature of both areas. In
each of these settings, theorists and researchers have agreed on the
causal connections between such constructs as self-efficacy and
perceived satisfaction and success, whether that success is measured by
academic achievement or corporate quality and performance resulting in
profitability. Along with this interest, comes the need for the
development of valid and reliable instruments to assess affective
characteristics. It is clear that no matter whether your interest lies
in the relationship between self-efficacy and academic success or
employee satisfaction and corporate success, it is essential that the
instruments used be carefully designed and tested to assure that they
are measuring what they are intended to measure in a consistent manner.
This work offers the theoretical perspective, modern psychometric
techniques, real examples, and data needed to enable the instrument
developer to produce such valid and reliable instruments.