Examining Psychometric and Measurement Properties of the Career Thoughts Inventory: Demonstration and Use of the Rasch Measurement Model in Career Assessment Research

The Rasch measurement model for developing and revising career assessment tools has many advantages over traditional test development methods. To better understand this method, the current study met its two purposes (a) to illustrate how the Rasch measurement model can aid vocational psychology researchers in increased precision and accuracy in assessment; and (b) to examine the psychometric and measurement properties the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI), using the Rasch measurement model with a sample of 232 college students. Results from the Rasch analysis confirmed that most of the CTI items on the decision-making confusion, commitment anxiety, and external conflict subscales were functioning as useful measurement items. Yet, these subscale items were somewhat restricted in the range with which they were measuring their respective type of dysfunctional career thinking.