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Construct Validity of the EPICS Scales across Groups: A MIMIC Modeling Investigation Abstract Using the Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modeling approach, this

study focused on the investigation of the construct validity of the Engineering Projects in

Community Service (EPICS) program evaluation instrument. Possible differential item

functioning (DIF) among the observed items were detected and described. The extent to

which EPICS students’ gender and major are related to their evaluation on the

professional skills and outcomes defined by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and

Technology’s Engineering Criteria 2000 (ABET EC2000) Criterion 3 was analyzed.

Results indicated that the instrument has acceptable construct validity evidence, and in

general gender and major were not predictive of students’ noncognitive measures (e.g.,

communication and teamwork skills) on the EPICS program evaluation subscales.

Background and Theoretical Framework First established at Purdue University in 1995, the EPICS program aimed to

integrate engineering undergraduate student teams into local community service multi-

disciplinary service learning projects. Within EPICS program, teams of undergraduates

design, build, and deploy real systems to solve engineering-based problems for local

community service and education organizations 1 . It is now operating at 15 universities

nationwide with over 1350 students participated 1 .

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology’s Engineering Criteria 2000

(ABET, 1999) Criterion 3 2 Programs Outcomes and Assessment specifies outcomes

college graduates are expected to know and demonstrate from accredited engineering

programs. The generality of Criterion 3 objectives require engineering programs to

articulate desired program outcomes related to professional skills that the participants can

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Hong, T., & Oakes, W., & Maller, S., & Zoltowski, C. (2007, June), Construct Validity Of The Epics Scales Across Groups: A Mimic Modeling Investigation Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2784