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Understanding Coefficient Alpha: Assumptions and Interpretations

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  • Sharma, Dheeraj

Abstract

A procedure is developed for determining appropriate levels of scale reliability by examining coefficient alpha in conjunction with the standardized regression coefficient for each variable. Present study aims to examine the effect of addition and deletion of items on coefficient alpha. Also, necessary assumptions for appropriate interpretation of coefficient alpha are examined. Present research suggests that deleting scale items to increase coefficient alpha may result in an under specification of the construct the scale attempts to measure. Furthermore, this research offers prescriptive and descriptive insights for appropriate use of coefficient alpha.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharma, Dheeraj, 2016. "Understanding Coefficient Alpha: Assumptions and Interpretations," IIMA Working Papers WP2016-03-38, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:iim:iimawp:14490
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smith, Anne M., 1999. "Some Problems When Adopting Churchill's Paradigm for the Development of Service Quality Measurement Scales," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 109-120, October.
    2. Lee Cronbach, 1951. "Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 16(3), pages 297-334, September.
    3. Melvin Novick & Charles Lewis, 1967. "Coefficient alpha and the reliability of composite measurements," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 32(1), pages 1-13, March.
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