2006/09/14 by Tenko Raykov · 102 citations
Decision Sciences · Engineering · Mathematics · #Advanced Statistical Methods and Models #Alpha (finance) #Component (thermodynamics) #Computer science #Cronbach's alpha #Engineering #Mathematics #Multi-Criteria Decision Making #Optimal Experimental Design Methods #Process (computing) #Programming language #Psychometrics #Reliability (semiconductor) #Reliability engineering #Scale (ratio) #Statistics
paper · doi:10.1348/000711006x115954
published in British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology 60(2), 201-216 (Wiley)
openalex publication_date 2006/09/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
This paper demonstrates that the widely available and routinely used index 'coefficient alpha if item deleted' can be misleading in the process of construction and revision of multiple-component instruments with congeneric measures. An alternative approach to evaluation of scale reliability following deletion of each component in a given composite is outlined that can be recommended in general for scale development purposes. The method provides ranges of plausible values for instrument reliability when dispensing with single components in a tentative composite, and permits testing hypotheses about reliability of resulting scale versions. The proposed procedure is illustrated with an example.