Happiness is defined as a positive emotion focusing on the present, which is highly desirable but difficult to achieve. To estimate the level of happiness in adults, we used the Argentinian version of the Happiness Scale of Lima (EFL, Alarcón, 2006). The EFL measures three dimensions: External Perspective of Sense of Life (SVPE), Internal Perspective of Sense of Life (SVPI) and Life Satisfaction (SCV). Three independent samples of 200 individuals each (50% female) were selected considering different educational levels (from high school graduates to college graduates). A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to each dimension taking into account gender and educational level as fixed factors. In all three dimensions, the interaction between having a higher educational level and being female favored significantly the highest scores of happiness (SVPE, F = 4.14, p = .02, partial...

Problem and objectives: To find out if the structure of the prosocial behavior measured by the Prosocial Behavior Scale (PBS) can be represented by a general factor, i.e. prosociality, combined with specific factors: the subscales of the PBS. Method: The sample consisted of 692 subjects (65% females) recruited by a convenience sampling method and living in Greater Buenos Aires and inland areas of Argentina. The assumptions of unidimensionality and local dependence were checked. Then the relative fit was compared between three models of the Item Response Theory: Graded Response Model (GRM), Multidimensional Graded Response Model (MGRM) and Two-Factor Graded Response Model (TGRM). Results: The TGRM showed the best relative fit. This model was implemented by calculating the conditional and marginal parameters. Likewise, the ECV index was calculated. Conclusions: The PBS items were primarily...

El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados obtenidos en estudios de validez y confiabilidad de una Escala de Utilidad de la Matemática cuando varían los formatos Likert de los ítems. El test mide las creencias de estudiantes de Psicología respecto de la importancia atribuida a la Matemática para la carrera y el futuro desarrollo profesional. Participaron 939 estudiantes de Psicología (81% mujeres) quienes respondieron a los ítems usando escalas de 3, 5 y 6 categorías. Se controló el efecto del orden de exposición de los individuos a cada formato y se incluyeron además otros instrumentos para reducir la memorización de las respuestas. Las escalas Likert con más categorías incrementaron la precisión del instrumento en los niveles extremos del rasgo, pero a costa de comprometer las evidencias sobre la estructura interna (Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio y Modelo ...