Conceptualization

Quantum mechanics

Linguistics

Mathematics education

Philosophy

Graduation (instrument)

Statistics

Chromatography

Social psychology

Developmental psychology

Measurement invariance

Power (physics)

Student engagement

Computer science

Psychometrics

Structural equation modeling

Physics

Confirmatory factor analysis

Psychology

Mathematics

Applied psychology

Portuguese

Reliability (semiconductor)

Artificial intelligence

Geometry

Chemistry

Sample (material)

Internal consistency

Current Psychology

Academic engagement describes students’ investment in academic learning and achievement and is an important indicator of students’ adjustment to university life, particularly in the first year. A tridimensional conceptualization of academic engagement has been accepted (behavioral, emotional and cognitive dimensions). This paper tests the dimensionality, internal consistency reliability and invariance of the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) taking into consideration both gender and the scientific area of graduation. A sample of 908 Portuguese first-year university students was considered. Good evidence of reliability has been obtained with ordinal alpha and omega values. Confirmatory factor analysis substantiates the theoretical dimensionality proposed (second-order latent factor), internal consistency reliability evidence indicates good values and the results suggest measurement invariance across gender and the area of graduation. The present study enhances the role of the USEI regarding the lack of consensus on the dimensionality and constructs delimitation of academic engagement.

University student engagement inventory (USEI): Psychometric properties