Francis Ankomah

2 Publications in AERD

Author Publications

Revalidation of Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale using Ghanaian in-service teachers: Multidimensional item response theory with factor analyses

By Frank Quansah

Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), since its development, has gained much popularity because of its adequate psychometric properties. Yet, scholarly information on the soundness of this instrument in the African context has not been documented. Besides, the previous validation studies on the TSES have yielded mixed results with different factor structures, calling for further studies to test its utility and use across different cultures. The purpose of this study was to revalidate the TSES in Ghana using item response theory (IRT) complemented by factor analyses. Through a validation study approach, 693 basic school teachers were purposively sampled to participate in the research by responding to the Teacher Efficacy Scale. The between-item and within-item multidimensional IRT analyses combined with factor analysis were performed to understand how the items functioned with intentions to propose a well-fit instrument within the Ghanaian context. The outcome of this research revealed that the original TSES with a three-factor structure, 24 items measured on a 9-point scale did not provide an optimal measure of teachers' self-efficacy within the Ghanaian context. Rather, a three-structure scale with 18 items and a 6-point scale offered a maximal measure of teachers' self-efficacy. The practical implications of the findings are discussed. © 2024 The Authors. Psychology in the Schools published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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Evaluating the moderating role of information seeking platforms on university students' risk perception and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana

By John ELvis Hagan Jr.

Introduction: The emergence of COVID-19 resulted in heightened usage of online information seeking platforms among students aimed at obtaining information about the virus. This situation further increased the levels of risk perception and anxiety levels as students managed to stay safe. This study examined the roles of information seeking platforms; specifically, social media platforms and professional platforms as moderators of the link between risk perception and anxiety among university students in Ghana. Methods: Participants were recruited from two universities in Ghana; namely, University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and University of Cape Coast (UCC) through a survey approach. The study conveniently sampled 778 participants who completed a set of questionnaires. Results: The study results revealed that COVID-19 risk perception was positively related to anxiety. Further, the use of specific online information platforms significantly moderated the link between risk perception and anxiety. Specifically, social media platforms significantly moderated the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and anxiety level. Primarily, students who utilized social media as a COVID-19 information source reported high anxiety levels in the presence of high-risk perception compared to those who did not use social media. Additionally, professional platform usage acted as a buffer in the positive link between COVID-19 risk perception and anxiety levels. In the presence of high risk perception, students who used professional platforms, compared to those who did not use professional platforms, showed significantly low anxiety levels. Conclusions: The findings suggest the key role social media and professional platforms played in shaping students' perceptions of COVID-19. These outcomes call for the swift scrutiny of health-related information obtained from social media platforms. Both users and disseminators of health-related information on social media platforms have the responsibility of verifying the credibility of whichever information they post and/or access. Risk perception should also be an integral part of effective risk communication planning in educational institutions during outbreak of diseases. Copyright © 2023 Hagan, Quansah, Ankomah, Agormedah, Srem-Sai and Schack.

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