Validity and reliability of instrument measuring culinary competencies: the rasch measurement model

Abstract

The current study emphasize on the development of a comprehensive measurement instrument for workers’ competencies. In vocational and technical professions, competency based assessment throws up some challenges to the professions; however the rewards are potentially very substantial. The creation of a genuinely valid competency-based assessment strategy can yield great benefit, not only to the professions, but to the whole community. Under a competency-based assessment system, assessors make judgments, based on evidence, about whether an individual meets criteria specified in the profession's competency standards (Gonczi, Hager & Athanasou, 1993). Skilled workers are recognized as quality workers when they have a unity between technical and non-technical competencies (Ahmad Nabil, Dayana Farzeeha, Muhammad Khair & Mohd Safarin, 2011). Currently there are several studies in developing instrument for competency measurement using Raseach Model Analysis for construct validation (Azliana & Jamaludin, 2013; Jackson, Draugalis, Slack, Zachry, & Agostino, 2002; and Nicholson, Griffin, Gillis, Wu, & Dunning, 2012). Bashook (2005) emphasized on psychometric requirements in developing competency assessment. When measuring the competencies of an individual during training or in practice, the goal is for each assessment to be an accurate measure of the person’s knowledge, skills, abilities, or performance. Accuracy means that the scores from the assessment are reliable and a valid measure of that person’s performance. The purpose of the current study is to serve as a strong evidence to support the validity of the instrument prior to the actual study. In detail, the specific objectives are to examine the validity and reliability of the newly developed Star-Chef Competency instrument.