CREATING A VALIDITY ARGUMENT FOR THE “KU-SENSE OF BELONGING TEST” FOR EXCHANGE GRADUATE STUDENTS
CREATING A VALIDITY ARGUMENT FOR THE “KU-SENSE OF BELONGING TEST” FOR EXCHANGE GRADUATE STUDENTS

Summary/Abstract: What kinds of validity evidence can the University of Kansas Sense of Belonging Test (KU-SBT) provide? Through the operationalization of a construct, this study intends to build an initial validity argument for the KU-SBT to determine exchange graduate students’ manifestations of internal and external sense of belonging, which may play a role in their academic performance and motivation. While existing instruments have examined students' perceptions of social dynamics, the KU-SBT goes beyond by not only capturing students' perceptions but also assessing their tangible, performative behaviors in a more technologically-oriented educational era. To accomplish this objective, this paper addresses foundational elements essential for initiating a test validity argument. These include establishing a theoretical framework, developing a construct, formulating test interpretation claims, creating a table of specifications, and constructing a pool of items. To conclude, the author describes the future steps needed to ensure the robustness of the KU-SBT at the measurement level. These steps encompass piloting sessions, internal reliability tests, factor analyses, and other measures aimed at refining and strengthening the validity and reliability of the test.

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