Validation of a subjective outcome evaluation tool for participants in a positive youth development program in Hong Kong

Study Objective: Utilizing primary-factor and hierarchical confirmatory factor analyses, this study examined the factor structure of a subjective outcome evaluation tool for the program participants for the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong. Design and Participants: A subjective outcome evaluation scale was used to assess the views of program participants on the program, implementer, and program effectiveness of the Project P.A.T.H.S. A total of 28,431 Secondary 2 students responded to this measure after they had completed the program. Results: Consistent with the conceptual model, findings based on confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the primary factor model and the higher-order factor model containing 3 primary factors. By randomly splitting the total sample into 2 subsamples, support for different forms of factorial invariance was found. There was also support for the internal consistency of the total scale and the 3 subscales. Conclusion: Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the factorial validity of the subjective outcome evaluation instrument designed for program participants in the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.