Exploratory Factor and Reliability Analysis of the Instrument Measuring Parents’ Educational Behaviour
- Zhenyu Li , Faculty of Education, Univesiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Sheerad Sahid , Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Mohamad Zuber Abd Majid , Faculty of Education, Univesiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Parents’ educational behaviour is essential in shaping children’s educational outcomes, and as an effective supplement to school education, it further extends the function of education. More importantly, parents’ educational behaviour also plays a unique role in promoting educational equity and delivering cultural values. This study examines the factor structure and internal consistency of parents’ educational behaviour. Methods: This study used statistical techniques to analyse the validity and reliability of the instrument measuring parents’ educational behaviour. All the three dimensions used to measure parents’ educational behaviour in this study were adapted from previous research. A total number of 104 parents were involved in this research. Findings: After the procedure of the exploratory factor analysis, three constructs of parents’ educational behaviour were identified, which were education investment, parental involvement and educational choice respectively. The findings revealed that the parents’ educational behaviour was a multidimensional construct. Furthermore, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the instrument showed a high internal consistency. Implications for Research and Practice: Thus, the parents’ educational behaviour can be examined using this reliable and valid measurement tool. In addition, this study demonstrated the importance of parental involvement during family activities. This study would enrich the domain of parents’ educational behaviour and give useful insights to policy makers and educationists to design strategies that promote educational equity through parents’ roles.