Internal Consistency and Discriminant Validity of the TECO-D in Speech and Language Therapy at the 'Sapienza' University of Rome: A Cross-Sectional Study
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| Title: | Internal Consistency and Discriminant Validity of the TECO-D in Speech and Language Therapy at the 'Sapienza' University of Rome: A Cross-Sectional Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ilaria Ruotolo, Giovanni Sellitto, Anna Berardi, Giovanni Galeoto, Francescaroberta Panuccio, Andrea Marini Padovani |
| Source: | International Association for Development of the Information Society. 2026. |
| Availability: | International Association for the Development of the Information Society. e-mail: secretariat@iadis.org; Web site: http://www.iadisportal.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Speeches/Meeting Papers Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Undergraduate Students, Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Occupations Education, Psychometrics, Test Reliability, Test Validity, Achievement Tests, Multiple Choice Tests |
| Geographic Terms: | Italy (Rome) |
| Abstract: | This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TECO-D for students in Speech and Language Therapy at Sapienza University of Rome. Conducted by the research group "Riabilitazione, Evidenze e Sviluppo" (R.E.S.), the study assessed internal consistency and discriminant validity of the discipline-specific version of the test. A total of 352 students participated, divided into four cohorts (first year: 101; second year: 93; third year: 113; fourth year/undergraduates: 45). The TECO-D consisted of 92 multiple-choice questions organized into four content areas and was administered via a digital platform managed by CINECA. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-23 in accordance with COSMIN standards. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and discriminant validity through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.62 to 0.76 across the main areas, indicating acceptable internal consistency. For the total score, AUC values indicated excellent discriminative ability for first-year students (AUC = 0.92), good discriminative ability for second-year students (AUC = 0.89) and fair discriminative ability for third-year students (AUC = 0.72). These findings confirm that the TECO-D is a valid and reliable tool for assessing competences in Speech and Language Therapy students. Its capacity to measure learning progression over the course of the degree supports its use for monitoring educational outcomes and guiding improvements in university training programs. [For the full proceedings, see ED682246.] |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 20260101 |
| Accession Number: | ED682360 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TECO-D for students in Speech and Language Therapy at Sapienza University of Rome. Conducted by the research group "Riabilitazione, Evidenze e Sviluppo" (R.E.S.), the study assessed internal consistency and discriminant validity of the discipline-specific version of the test. A total of 352 students participated, divided into four cohorts (first year: 101; second year: 93; third year: 113; fourth year/undergraduates: 45). The TECO-D consisted of 92 multiple-choice questions organized into four content areas and was administered via a digital platform managed by CINECA. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-23 in accordance with COSMIN standards. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and discriminant validity through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.62 to 0.76 across the main areas, indicating acceptable internal consistency. For the total score, AUC values indicated excellent discriminative ability for first-year students (AUC = 0.92), good discriminative ability for second-year students (AUC = 0.89) and fair discriminative ability for third-year students (AUC = 0.72). These findings confirm that the TECO-D is a valid and reliable tool for assessing competences in Speech and Language Therapy students. Its capacity to measure learning progression over the course of the degree supports its use for monitoring educational outcomes and guiding improvements in university training programs. [For the full proceedings, see ED682246.] |
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