Work behavior in the school psychology service: Conceptual framework and construct validity approached by two different methodologies

A conceptual framework for work behavior (WB) in the school psychology service (SPS) in Norway is discussed, focusing on differences at the individual and the systemic level. A four-factor measurement model of selected tasks was hypothesized and empirically assessed by joint application of generalizability (G) theory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Self-reported WB was investigated among 190 SP counselors in Study 1 and 470 SP counselors within 121 offices in Study 2. The hypothesized four-factor solution was supported. In accordance with international findings, G studies demonstrated that the SPS as a whole allocates different priorities to aspects of WB, in favor of traditional child-centered work when approaching existing problems. A two-level model of factor analysis was tested, indicating little difference between offices in service delivery. On the contrary, the generalizable differentiation between the four hypothesized WB categories as provided by the G framework indicated individual differences among SP counselors in their priorities to aspects of WB. Because higher priority to prevention and systems intervention have been requested in general, future research should explore possible variables that may have an effect on SP counselors choice of different aspects of WB, as well as differences in the associations between aspects of WB on the one hand and important behavioral and attitudinal outcomes among jobholders on the other. D 2003 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.