The Development of the Democratic Behavior Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a scale to determine the democratic behavior levels of children in early childhood. The study group included a total of 486 children attending kindergartens and primary school nursery classes in Melikgazi, Kayseri. Scale reliability was tested by using intra-group correlation values, item analysis coefficients, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient (0,98), and the Hotelling T2 test result [ 830,12 and (p<0.001)]. For validity testing purposes, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, KMO test result (0,97), the Bartlett test and item analysis (p<0.001) were calculated. It was consequently decided that the scale was suitable for factoring, and AFA was used in principal component analyses. Following this, the structural equation model of DFA was performed, which confirmed that the model suited the data and that the 3-factor structure of the scale was valid. Confirmed as valid and reliable, the scale consisted of a total of 38 items in the sub-dimensions of "Knowing Your Rights", "Autonomous Behaviors" and "Democratic Behaviors". The highest score possible from the scale is 190, while the lowest possible score is 38.