Examining the Cultural Validity of a College Student Engagement Survey for Latinos

Abstract

Using critical race theory and quantitative criticalist stance, this study examines the construct validity of an engagement survey, Student Experiences in the Research University (SERU) for Latino college students through exploratory factor analysis. Results support the principal seven-factor SERU model. However subfactors exhibited differential structure patterns suggesting sense of agency, initiative-taking, self-competency, and self-efficacy as a means of reflecting potential cultural nuances relative to Latinos. Implications highlight sociocultural values and perspectives to understand engagement based on Latino students’ unique college experiences and meaning making.