OByrne2009 - Measuring dispositions online
Citation
O’Byrne, W Ian; McVerry, J Gregory (2009) Measuring the dispositions of online reading comprehension: A preliminary validation study. National reading conference yearbook, 58, 362-375.
Abstract
This preliminary study aimed to: (1) begin the development of an instrument to measure the dispositions important for online reading comprehension; and (2) conduct an initial validation study of this instrument through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Recent research indicates that new skills and strategies are required during online reading comprehension, yet affective variables — dispositions, attitudes, and beliefs — remain poorly understood and undermeasured. The Disposition for Online Reading Comprehension (DORC) instrument was developed and piloted with middle school students to explore the factor structure of online reading dispositions. Exploratory factor analysis identified three primary factors: Critical Thinking (persistence, metacognition, goal-directed reading), Critical Stance (healthy skepticism toward online sources), and Collaboration (preference for working with others online). Findings suggest that dispositions are a measurable and meaningful component of online reading comprehension, and that instruments such as the DORC can advance research by providing additional tools to evaluate the consequences of different instructional practices.