Abstract
Theories of reasoned action, interpersonal behavior and self-efficacy have been frequently used for research into health-related behavior. The present study investigated two methods for assessing the reliability of their theories' constructs: the test-retest method and generalizability theory. Firstly, it is demonstrated with a numerical example that the traditional test-retest coefficient has an anatomical link with the generalizability coefficient. Secondly, generalizability theory was applied in order to identify the number of occasions each construct must be measured to assure its reliability. This procedure was applied to the data collected in a study investigating the psychosocial factors influencing exercising and smoking behaviors among pregnant women. Measuring the constructs of direct attitude, habit, and intention on only one occasion was sufficient to ensure high levels of reliability. Moreover, reliability of the other constructs would be ensured if they were measured on more than one occasion.
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This study was supported by a research grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (#410-86-0611).
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Valois, P., Godin, G. & Bertrand, R. The reliability of constructs derived from attitude-behavior theories: an application of generalizability theory in the health sector. Qual Quant 26, 291–305 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00172431
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00172431