Measuring Feedback-Seeking Modes: An Alternative to Composite Scores.

An alternative to the use of traditional composite scales in creating scales from survey items was developed, using feedback seeking as an example. It is proposed that much more information can be obtained through Rasch techniques about feedback-seeking behaviors related to teaching. Data are from the New Faculty Project involving tenure-track faculty hired in 1991 and 1992 at five institutions in a consortium. Responses from 165 faculty members indicated 9 activities through which faculty members sought feedback about job performance. Instead of creating composite scores in the traditional way, researchers Rasch-calibrated responses using the BIGSTEPS, version 2.65 program. Results show that new faculty members are more likely to monitor the behavior of others than to make inquiries about job performance. Faculty members could be distinguished by their feedback-seeking modes. More information on the relationship between monitoring and feedback and the frequency of feedback was obtained than could be obtained through the traditional use of composite scores. Composite scores made it possible to distinguish those who used a feedback-seeking modes more or less frequently, but not to investigate patterns of feedback seeking. (Contains two tables, four figures, and four references.) (SLD) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************