Cronbach alpha sensitivity to small samples

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Cronbach alpha sensitivity to small samples

Mark Webb-5
I'm aware that Alpha is sensitive to the number of statements used.
Can members please comment on the pros/cons of using this statistic if sample sizes are low {e.g. N=16} - the number of statements are > 12.
Regards
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Mark Webb

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Re: Cronbach alpha sensitivity to small samples

Art Kendall
Is this a pre-existing scale? I would certainly use it to double check keying of an existing scale. It should help spot items with the wrong sign.  It might point out items that should be on other scales.

It could also be useful to demo what kinds of output RELIABILITY has.


Art Kendall
Social Research Consultants

On 1/27/2012 3:39 AM, Mark Webb wrote:
I'm aware that Alpha is sensitive to the number of statements used.
Can members please comment on the pros/cons of using this statistic if sample sizes are low {e.g. N=16} - the number of statements are > 12.
Regards
--
Mark Webb

Line +27 (21) 786 4379
Cell +27 (72) 199 1000 [Poor reception]
Fax  +27 (86) 260 1946

Skype       tomarkwebb
Email       [hidden email]
Client ftp  http://targetlinkresearch.co.za/cftp/
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Art Kendall
Social Research Consultants