Élaboration et processus de validation de l’Échelle d’évaluation des difficultés aux études de cycles supérieurs (EDECS) : étude préliminaire

Abstract

Many graduate students encounter challenges in their academic formation for which they consult university support services. The first aim of this study is to conduct a literature review of the main difficulties encountered. A classification of the latter, by content analysis, reveals nine categories. From this preliminary classification, a scale screening these difficulties, the EDECS, was constructed for graduate students support services. The exploratory factor analysis of the EDECS with 500 students grouped the nine initial categories of difficulties into four subscales, thus modifying the preliminary classification. The use of the test-retest method among 188 participants revealed good temporal stability. Various proofs of validity (content, internal structure and correlation between variables) were obtained. The conclusion offers suggestions for using the EDECS by student support services and discusses clinical considerations. Many graduate students encounter challenges in their academic formation for which they consult university support services. The first aim of this study is to conduct a literature review of the main difficulties encountered. A classification of the latter, by content analysis, reveals nine categories. From this preliminary classification, a scale screening these difficulties, the EDECS, was constructed for graduate students support services. The exploratory factor analysis of the EDECS with 500 students grouped the nine initial categories of difficulties into four subscales, thus modifying the preliminary classification. The use of the test-retest method among 188 participants revealed good temporal stability. Various proofs of validity (content, internal structure and correlation between variables) were obtained. The conclusion offers suggestions for using the EDECS by student support services and discusses clinical considerations.