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. 2025 Sep 3:pzaf108.
doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaf108. Online ahead of print.

Validation of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Doctor of Physical Therapy Learners: A Retrospective Observational Study

Jessica T Feda  1 , Evan M Pucillo  2 , Laura E Wenger  3 , Melissa H Scales  4 , Kyle R Adams  5 , Carrie A Minahan  6 , Jennifer G Martin  7 , Nancy S Smith  7
Affiliations

Validation of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Doctor of Physical Therapy Learners: A Retrospective Observational Study

Jessica T Feda et al. Phys Ther. .

Abstract

Importance: The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) is an instrument that measures self-regulated learning. However, it has not been validated for use in entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the LASSI in DPT learners.

Design: This was a retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting/participants/intervention: Demographic and LASSI data were retrospectively analyzed from 1541 learners enrolled in 5 entry-level DPT programs across the United States.

Main outcomes and measures: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate whether the 60-item LASSI (3rd Edition) demonstrated a valid and reliable factor structure. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify a more succinct set of LASSI scales. Goodness-of-fit indices and reliability coefficients were computed to assess model fit and measurement consistency.

Results: CFA revealed that the 60-item LASSI accounted for 46.7% of total score variance. In contrast, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a revised 47-item version (termed LASSI-DPT) that accounted for 58.1%, indicating improved construct validity. Chi-square goodness-of-fit supported the adequacy of the EFA model (χ2 = 3964.1). The revised 47-item LASSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach alpha of .92, compared to 0.78 for the 60-item version.

Conclusion: The revised 47-item LASSI-DPT provides a more reliable, concise, and valid assessment compared to the 60-item LASSI, tailored to learning strategies in physical therapist education programs.

Relevance: Factor analysis demonstrated improved construct validity and excellent reliability in a newly developed 47-item version of the LASSI tailored for DPT learners. This shorter instrument may result in decreased survey fatigue and improved measurement accuracy. With its enhanced psychometric properties, the LASSI-DPT may enable DPT programs to better identify learners who need additional support related to self-regulation of learning.

Keywords: Education; Lassi; Physical therapy; Reliability; Self-regulation of learning; Validity.

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