Psychometric Properties of a Measure of Sense of Competence

Abstract

A series of investigations was performed exploring the psychometric properties of Wagner and Morse's (1975) Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SCQ). Data were obtained from a total of 849 individuals constituting five different United States Air Force samples. Construct validation indicated that self-and supervisory ratings of competence converged on a common evaluation. SCQ ratings were significantly correlated with measures of skill and ability, job feedback, and need for achievement. Concurrent validation demonstrated that SCQ ratings significantly predicted supervisory performance appraisals. In addition, the instrument displayed moderate predictive validity over a 14-month interval (r = .26, p < .001).