A K-Sample Significance Test for Independent Alpha Coefficients

Abstract

The earlier two-sample procedure of Feldt [1969] for comparing independent alpha reliability coefficients is extended to the case of K ≥ 2 independent samples. Details of a normalization of the statistic under consideration are presented, leading to computational procedures for the overall K -group significance test and accompanying multiple comparisons. Results based on computer simulation methods are presented, demonstrating that the procedures control Type I error adequately. The results of a power comparison of the case of K = 2 with Feldt’s [1969] F test are also presented. The differences in power were negligible. Some final observations, along with suggestions for further research, are noted.