Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of The Prediction-Related Experiences Questionnaire (PRE-Q-C).

OBJECTIVE

Prediction is a fundamental cognitive process that facilitates adaptive interactions with the environment. The Prediction-Related Experiences Questionnaire (PRE-Q), a 19-item measure, assesses individuals' everyday predictive abilities. This study aimed to develop and validate a Chinese version (PRE-Q-C) by translating and adapting the original scale and examining its psychometric properties in a large Chinese sample.

METHODS

The PRE-Q was translated and back-translated according to standard guidelines, followed by expert review and a comprehensibility test. A total of 2595 participants completed the PRE-Q-C and other related measures. Exploratory graph analysis (EGA) was used to identify the factor structure, confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Item response theory (IRT), internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity were also evaluated.

RESULTS

EGA suggested a 2-factor structure, comprising Sensory-Social prediction (7 items) and Motor prediction (6 items), which was subsequently supported by CFA. IRT analyses demonstrated that the PRE-Q-C items exhibited appropriate discrimination parameters. The scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.85) and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.51, p < .001). Additionally, significant correlations with related psychological constructs supported the scale's convergent validity.

CONCLUSION

The PRE-Q-C demonstrated strong psychometric properties, supporting its use as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing predictive processing in Chinese-speaking populations. These findings contribute to the understanding of individual differences in predictive abilities and their implications for mental health research.