Statistical extensions of Ponterotto and Ruckdeschel's (2007) reliability matrix for estimating the adequacy of internal consistency coefficients

Abstract

The present article extends work on Ponterotto and Ruckdeschel's Reliability Matrix for estimating the adequacy of internal consistency measures. Specifically, it uses statistical tests to determine whether a calculated coefficient alpha is equal to or greater than the hypothesized population coefficient alpha identified in the Reliability Matrix. The Feldt, Woodruff, and Salih (1987) confidence interval test and Bonett's (2002) approximate z-test and N formula are applied. Select guidelines on reliability assessment and conducting statistical tests to determine adequacy of coefficient alpha are presented.