Exploring the psychometric properties of the digital citizenship scale among Indian students
ISSN: 1468-4527
Article publication date: 17 May 2023
Issue publication date: 15 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies highlighted a shortage of scale to measure digital citizenship among Indians. Accordingly, this study examined the psychometric properties of Jones and Mitchell’s (2016) digital citizenship scale in the Indian context with the help of two independent studies.
Design/methodology/approach
In the first study, the factorial validity of the scale was determined using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In the second study, Cronbach’s alpha (CA) and composite reliability (CR) values checked the internal consistency reliability of the scale. Also, convergent, discriminant and criterion validity were examined.
Findings
EFA recommended a two-factor structure explaining 58.219% of the total variance. The item loadings varied from 0.540 to 0.793. The Indian version of the scale showed one variation. In the original digital citizenship scale, the seventh statement (“I like to present myself online as someone was making positive choices”) was part of factor 1 (online respect); however, this study suggested that the seventh statement should be included in factor 2 (online civic engagement). In the second study, the acceptable (>0.70) values of CA and CR concluded the internal consistency reliability of the scale. The convergent validity was suggested by average variance explained values (>0.50). In addition, as expected, the Indian version of the digital citizenship scale reported a statistically significant positive correlation with Internet self-efficacy and a considerable negative relationship with cyberbullying. These findings concluded the criterion validity of the scale.
Originality/value
The Indian version of the digital citizenship scale showed appreciable psychometric properties among Indian students.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express the sincere gratitude to the participants, academicians and researchers who generously gave their time and effort to make this study possible. The authors extend their appreciation to the reviewers who provided constructive feedback and helped improve the quality of this paper. Lastly, the authors would like to thank the editorial team of Online Information Review journal for their support and guidance throughout the publication process.
Citation
Verma, S. and Garg, N. (2024), "Exploring the psychometric properties of the digital citizenship scale among Indian students", Online Information Review, Vol. 48 No. 1, pp. 144-158. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-05-2022-0279
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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