Limitations of Coefficient Alpha as an Index of Test Unidimensionality1
- 1 December 1977
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Educational and Psychological Measurement
- Vol. 37 (4) , 827-838
- https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447703700403
Abstract
Confusion in the literature between the concepts of internal consistency and homogeneity has led to a misuse of coefficient alpha as an index of item homogeneity. Coefficient alpha is actually a complexly determined test statistic, item homogeneity only being one influence on its magnitude. The related statistic, the average intercorrelation, has similar difficulties. Several indices of item homogeneity derived from the model of common factor analysis are offered as alternatives.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Techniques of attitude scale construction.Published by American Psychological Association (APA) ,1957
- Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of testsPsychometrika, 1951
- Theory of mental tests.Published by American Psychological Association (APA) ,1950