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This study provides an introduction to the use of multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) analysis for assessing latent factor structure, and compares this statistical technique to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the evaluation of an original measure developed to assess students’ motivations for entering a social work community of practice. The Participation in a Social Work Community of Practice Scale (PSWCoP) was administered to 506 masters of social work students from 11 accredited graduate programs. The psychometric properties and latent factor structure of the scale are evaluated using MIRT and CFA techniques. Although designed as a 3-factor measure, analysis of model fit using both CFA and MIRT do not support this solution. Instead, analyses using both methods produce convergent results supporting a 4-factor solution. Discussion includes methodological implications for social work …

Lifetime limits on public assistance were introduced by the United States federal government in 1996 as part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Many former recipients are no longer eligible for benefits having reached their lifetime limit. Local and national studies of post-welfare reform TANF leavers describe their circumstances.