Reza Shojaeepoor; Abbas Abbaspour; Hamid Rahimian; Noorali Farrokhi; Somayeh Noori-Hekmat
Abstract
Introduction: Accreditation processes are the most widely used mechanism to ensure the quality of higher education institutions. The present study was conducted to design and validate a tool for measuring the accreditation of universities of medical sciences in Iran.Methods: This study was performed ...
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Introduction: Accreditation processes are the most widely used mechanism to ensure the quality of higher education institutions. The present study was conducted to design and validate a tool for measuring the accreditation of universities of medical sciences in Iran.Methods: This study was performed using a mixed method of explorative plan-tool development model. The time domain of the research was in 2022-2023. First, in the qualitative part of this study, questionnaire consisted of 15 scales and 44 sub-scales were designed by using the method of Grounded Theory and interview with 16 experts and Also 31 scientific documents. The designed questionnaire was given to the experts in the field of measurement and accreditation, and its validity was confirmed by the experts; and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha which was equal to (0/977). Non-probability purposive sampling method was used in the qualitative part of the study whereas random classified sampling method was applied in the quantitative part. In addition, analysis of Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used for testing mentioned tool.Results: By doing first-order confirmatory factor analysis, mentioned tool were confirmed with 15 scales and 44 sub-scales. Results of second-order confirmatory factor analysis, also showed that 15 extracted scales are a sufficient factor leading to prediction scale related to accreditation of universities of medical sciences. In addition, all goodness of fit indices was confirmed.Conclusion: In the qualitative part of the research, 15 factors deterministic self-affirmation scales, weakness of helpers and agents, institutionalized documentation, seasonal and unstable behaviors, tasteful behaviors, non-scientific and forced nature, dual environmentalism/acrophobia, culture, education, incomplete accreditation, unmeasurable, faculty, Evaluation system, executive structure and internationalization were explored with 44 criteria. The data of the qualitative section were combined with quantitative data sequentially and through the method of combining data connection. By doing first-order confirmatory factor analysis, mentioned model was confirmed. Results of second-order confirmatory factor analysis, also showed that extracted factors are a sufficient factor leading to prediction model related to accreditation of universities of medical sciences. In addition, all goodness of fit indices was confirmed. Also, all fit indices, with values of (CMIN/DF) equal to 1.986, (RMSEA) equal to 0.043, (GFI) equal to 0.974, (AGFI) equal to 0.928, (CFI) equal to it was confirmed with 0.948, (NFI) equal to 1.000, (TLI) equal to 0.984, (IFI) equal to 0.924 and (RFI) equal to 0.958. Through this scale, it is possible to determine the accreditation status of universities of medical sciences. The results of statistical tests displayed that the designed tool enjoys very favorable fitness for the accreditation of universities of medical sciences of Iran.
