Study 1 Dataset

Study 2 Data contains survey responses from Study 1 of a two-study scale development project designed to construct and validate a more content-valid measure of mentor functions. The overarching goal of the research is to advance the empirical and theoretical understanding of mentoring by developing an instrument that incorporates rigorous item development procedures and comprehensive validity evidence. Specifically, the research provides empirical support for the long-standing but rarely tested taxonomy of instrumental and psychosocial mentoring functions.

Study 1 involved an online survey administered to a diverse sample of working adults from a wide range of occupations and industries. Participants responded to a pool of items designed to represent the full domain of mentor functions, along with several validation measures. Data were collected anonymously, and no personally identifying information was obtained.

The dataset includes 644 cases and approximately 120 variables. Each variable is documented in an accompanying codebook that identifies the item content, source scale (where applicable), and coding scheme. These data were used to examine the factor structure, reliability, and construct validity of the new mentor functions measure.
Study 2 extends the initial validation by employing a two-wave longitudinal design to evaluate predictive validity. Data were collected online from a diverse sample of employed adults representing multiple organizations, industries, and job roles. At Time 1, participants completed the final mentor-functions scale and validation measures (e.g., self-efficacy, personal learning, job satisfaction). At Time 2, collected several weeks later, participants reported relevant outcomes such as career self-efficacy and perceived professional growth. All responses are fully anonymized and free of personally identifying information.

The dataset includes 295 cases and approximately 80 variables. An accompanying codebook documents each variable, its coding, and the corresponding measurement source. These data were used to test the stability, reliability, and predictive validity of the new mentor-functions measure. Researchers may use the dataset for secondary analyses, replication of longitudinal validation models, or comparative research in mentoring and career development