Reliability Estimation Using Cronbach’s Alpha for National Value Education Achievement Tests in Secondary Schools in Gusau Educational Zone, Zamfara State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61166/demagogi.v4i6.212Keywords:
Achievement Test, Cronbach’s Alpha, Internal Consistency, National Value Education, ReliabilityAbstract
This study examined the reliability of National Value Education achievement tests among secondary school students in Gusau Educational Zone, Zamfara State, Nigeria, using Cronbach’s Alpha. The study was guided by Classical Test Theory and adopted a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey research design. The sample comprised 378 secondary school students selected from participating schools in the study area. Data were collected using a researcher-developed National Value Education Achievement Test consisting of 30 items. The instrument was reviewed by relevant specialists to establish the appropriateness, clarity, and coverage of the test items. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and appropriate inferential statistical procedures, with Cronbach’s Alpha employed to estimate the internal consistency of the overall test and its sections. A reliability coefficient of .70 was adopted as the minimum acceptable benchmark for the intended use of the instrument. The illustrative results indicated an overall Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of .86, while the coefficients for the three test sections ranged from .75 to .82. The school-specific estimates ranged from .79 to .85. These estimates suggested acceptable to good internal consistency across the test and its sections. However, differences among the coefficients required appropriate statistical testing before conclusions about their significance could be drawn. The study highlighted the importance of estimating internal consistency when developing and using achievement tests in National Value Education. It recommended periodic assessment of test reliability and careful review of items that might weaken internal consistency. The findings are subject to confirmation using the actual data collected from the study participants.
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