Water Literacy of Secondary School Students: A Scale Development Study

Year 2026, Issue: Advanced Online Publication, 256 - 275

Samet Karakuş , Yavuz Akbaş

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.14.13.1

Abstract

This study aims to develop a Water Literacy Scale for secondary school students. The study was conducted using a survey model, employing secondary schools located across five distinct districts within Trabzon, a city in northeastern Türkiye. A total of 628 students took part in the study, and the data obtained were analyzed with the help of SPSS, Jamovi, and LISREL software. Expert evaluations were incorporated within the survey research framework to verify the content validity of the scale. Construct validity was assessed through both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods. The reliability of the scale was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, item-total correlations, and item discrimination indices based on the upper and lower 27% groups. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the scale was finalized with 22 items grouped under three sub-dimensions: water knowledge, water attitude, and water behavior. The relationships among the sub-dimensions were examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed strong fit indices indicating excellent model fit. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. Furthermore, all subscales demonstrated acceptable convergent validity and composite reliability values. The relationships among the sub-dimensions were found to be significant and moderate in strength.

Keywords

water literacy , validity and reliability , secondary school students

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