A pscyhometric investigation of the comprehensive assessment of sadistic tendencies (cast): Evidence from factor analysis and item response theory

Sadism research has grown exponentially in recent years, establishing the trait as a key predictor of cruel behaviors (bullying, aggression, internet trolling). However, empirical validations of the most popular sadism measure are needed. To address this, we administered the comprehensive assessment of sadistic tendencies (CAST; Buckels & Paulhus, 2014) to 432 undergraduates to investigate the factor structure, item response theory item characteristics (Samejima graded response model and generalized graded unfolding model parameters), underlying response processes (dominance versus ideal point), and measurement invariance across gender using factor analytic methods. Factor analysis results validated the three-factor structure of sadism (physical, verbal, and vicarious), whereas item response theory models demonstrated that a dominance response process fit better than an ideal point response process. We observed that the CAST provides the most information in the high trait range (distinguishing moderately sadistic participants from those who were high in sadism). Results also indicate weak discriminant validity between the CAST and measures of Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. Data further support past research suggesting males are more sadistic than females across all CAST subscales. Further analyses of scalar measurement invariance across gender suggest a true gender gap in the underlying trait, rather than measurement bias. This study begins to answer how to best assess sadism by examining the construct’s most popular measure, while highlighting a number of weaknesses to be addressed in future scholarship.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Amrhein, Rachel Lynn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Newman, Daniel A.

• Sadism
• Sadistic tendencies
• Dark Tetrad
• Dark Personality
• Measurement Equivalence
• Measurement Invariance
• Item Response Theory
• Gender

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2018 Rachel Amrhein

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101098

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/101098