JALT SPIN Student Research Symposium 2025

Scale Construction and Validation Using the e-Delphi Technique for Quantitative Research

22 Mar 2025, 15:05

30m

SPIN Symposium 2025

Speaker

Samikshya Bidari (Kathmandu University)

Abstract / Bio

A validated and reliable scale is essential for rigorous quantitative research. This study employed the e-Delphi technique to develop and validate the Nepali Democratic Citizenship Attitude Scale (NDCAS), specifically designed to assess students’ attitudes toward democratic classroom practices in EFL classrooms in Nepal. The previously available Democratic Citizenship Attitude Scale (DCAS) guided the literature review and modifications to ensure country-specific applicability. A two-phased Delphi consultation with experts in the field was conducted to refine 65 items to 44 based on a 75% agreement threshold. Data collection (January 2024–July 2024) involved an in-depth literature search, virtual meetings, focus group discussions, and individual discussions. The final instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.823). It identified six key dimensions: Culture of Democracy, Democratic Rights and Equality, Duties and Responsibilities, Democratic Participation, Global Students, and Value of Students. NDCAS provides a context-specific and reliable tool for assessing and enhancing democratic engagement in Nepal’s classrooms, offering a framework for future researchers using e-Delphi techniques.

Samikshya Bidari is a PhD candidate at Kathmandu University and a recipient of the Female Scholar Award from the University Grants Commission, Nepal. She also teaches academic writing, speech and presentation, language and culture, reading, listening, and speaking to students from diverse disciplines at several universities in Japan. She advocates for integrating humanistic values in language instruction and represents Nepali women with pride in global academia. Her research interests include academic writing and democratic practices in EFL classrooms.