(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Ihrig, Kristina M., author; Bundy, Anita, advisor; Land, Shelly, committee member; Aberle, Jennifer, committee member
A small amount of risk is a natural component of play that provides children with developmental benefits, increasing: competencies, autonomy and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to examine validity and reliability of data produced with a new instrument, Teacher Tolerance of Risk in Play Scale (T-TRiPS). T-TRiPS, a 25-item instrument, was administered to 99 teachers of children with disabilities, aged 4-12. Rasch analysis was used to analyze data. Findings support strong evidence for unidimensionality of the construct: positive point measure correlations, goodness-of-fit statistics in the acceptable range, and a logical item hierarchy. A strata value of 3.01 and person reliability index of 0.80 support internal reliability. T-TRiPS produces valid and reliable data regarding teacher tolerance of risk in play. T-TRiPS can serve as the basis for self-reflection or intervention aimed at increasing children's access to developmentally beneficial risky play.
