Application of Rasch rating scale model to analysis of job satisfaction among practicing pharmacists.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the application of Rasch analysis in the study of job satisfaction among practicing pharmacists.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey study.


METHODS
Community independent, community chain, hospital, and other pharmacies in the United States in fall 2005.


METHODS
790 practicing pharmacists.


METHODS
Mailed survey based on past studies of job satisfaction.


METHODS
Job satisfaction as measured using the Rasch rating scale model (which considers responses on Likert scales as categorical data) and traditional estimation techniques (which assume a continuum among responses on these scales by analyzing data as interval).


RESULTS
A gain in precision for the Rasch technique was observed for the constructs distributive justice, job autonomy, job ambiguity, role conflict, positive affectivity, job resources, and supervisory support. No gain in precision was found for the constructs negative affectivity and work involvement. Traditional estimates offered more precision for the constructs job repetition, promotional opportunity, and workload.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with traditional estimates, Rasch estimates provided more precise scores of job satisfaction on certain subscales, especially those whose mean scores were large or responses more diverse.
Hardigan
Patrick C
PC
Statistical Consulting Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33328, USA. patrick@nova.edu
Carvajal
Manuel J
MJ
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States