Cronbach's alpha

[KROHN-bawk's AL-fuh]
noun
alfa de Cronbach
1. A statistical coefficient of internal consistency used to measure the reliability or homogeneity of a set of items in a test, survey, or scale, ranging from 0 to 1
The survey's Cronbach's alpha was 0.85, indicating good internal consistency among the questions.
O alfa de Cronbach da pesquisa foi 0,85, indicando boa consistência interna entre as questões.
2. A measure used in psychometrics and social sciences to assess whether multiple items designed to measure the same construct actually do so reliably
Before analyzing the data, researchers calculated Cronbach's alpha to verify scale reliability.
Antes de analisar os dados, os pesquisadores calcularam o alfa de Cronbach para verificar a confiabilidade da escala.
Cronbach's alpha is a fundamental concept in quantitative research, psychology, education, and social sciences. Named after American psychometrician Lee Cronbach, it is universally taught in statistics and research methodology courses in both Brazil and the USA. The term is used identically in Portuguese-speaking academic communities, maintaining the English name 'Cronbach' even in Brazilian Portuguese publications. Values above 0.70 are generally considered acceptable, though interpretations may vary by field.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
internal consistency coefficientreliability coefficientCronbach coefficient

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
alfa de Cronbach
Standard term used in academic and research contexts
Portugal
alfa de Cronbach
Same term used, with identical meaning in Portuguese academic contexts
USA/International
Cronbach's alpha
Original English term, widely used in all English-speaking academic communities

Related Words

reliabilityvalidityinternal consistencypsychometricsscale reliabilityitem analysistest validity
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