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Interpret reliability evidence

Assess internal consistency for a defensible reflective multi-item score.

When to use this

Use this when several indicators are intended to measure the same reflective construct.

Why it matters

Reliability concerns score consistency; it is not proof of validity or unidimensionality.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Confirm the construct and item direction.
2. Open Statistical Analysis and choose Reliability.
3. Select the approved construct or item set.
4. Review missing-data handling.
5. Run the analysis.
6. Inspect alpha, item diagnostics, and any supported omega evidence alongside the measurement model.

Expected outputs

Reliability coefficients, item-level diagnostics, effective sample size, and analysis provenance.

How to interpret the results

Interpret coefficients in context, including item count, construct breadth, and measurement assumptions. Avoid universal pass/fail thresholds.

Common mistakes

Do not apply reflective internal-consistency rules to formative indicators. Do not delete items mechanically to raise alpha.

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