examples of reliability and validity in research

There are various behaviours that individuals can undertake to support and protect local, regional, national, and international wildlife, as well as ecosystems as a whole. We, as a society, need to change our behaviours to reduce the current harm we are causing and to actively support the restoration of ecosystems and wildlife. Human behaviours are the main cause of the ongoing decline in biodiversity. A cross-cultural examination of the scale is still needed. This will enhance research and impact practical work in the conservation domain for a sustainable future. The ProCoBS provides the definitive, much needed tool for measuring conservation behaviours.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated a good fit for all factors, indicating that the ProCoBS is a psychometrically robust measure.

In a third study, a representative sample of 1298 adults in the UK completed the short form. Results showed that the scale and its short form were reliable (full scale: α = 0.893, short form: α = 0.825) and valid. The data were used to assess test–retest reliability and construct validity. In a second study, a subset of 250 of the original participants answered the questionnaire again, in addition to related psychological constructs. A latent variable model with four factors (Individual Engagement, Social Engagement, Planting, and Wildlife) was identified. Data from 300 participants were used to develop the 18-item ProCoBS long form, as well as an 8-item short form. An item pool developed through consultation with wildlife and biodiversity experts was subjected to psychometric scale development analyses. Here, we present such a tool: the Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale (ProCoBS), a psychometrically validated questionnaire scale measuring active behaviours that specifically support the conservation of biodiversity.

While there are measurement tools for general pro-environmental behaviours, as of yet, no measure of behaviours that specifically promote biodiversity exists. Thus, a reliable and valid measurement tool is needed. However, effective ways of promoting pro-nature conservation behaviours to preserve and enhance biodiversity require better understanding and measurement. To mitigate the consequences of this extinction, immediate action is of the utmost importance. Scientists have classed the ongoing decline in biodiversity-caused by humans-as a mass extinction.

Examples of reliability and validity in research