Understanding Cronbach’s Alpha in Social and Management Studies

Abstract

In any research, the accuracy of assessments or evaluations can be improved when social and management science researchers work to develop easy-to-understand, accurate, and precise questions and questionnaires. Two essential components in assessing a measuring tool are validity and reliability. Surveys, simulations, and traditional knowledge, skill, or attitude assessments are examples of instruments. Concepts, psychomotor capability, and emotive values can be measured using instruments. The essence of validity is to identify the extent to which an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure. Reliability is the capacity of an instrument to measure consistently. Both reliability and validity of instruments are strongly connected. Without reliability, an instrument cannot be considered legitimate. However, the validity of an instrument is independent of its dependability, while the dependability of an instrument may be objectively assessed. This study identifies Cronbach’s Alpha as the most employed objective reliability metric within the social and management discipline.