Design and validation of an instrument to evaluate training in sustainability in higher education students

Abstract

To promote sustainability in universities a diagnostic is required to generate comprehensive strategies. The purpose of this research was to design and validate an instrument that limits the degree of attention to university students, regarding sustainability. For its design, an analysis of the concept was carried out, as well as contributions and instruments. For its validation it was subjected to a review by five experts. Later a trial process was applied under 16 expert judges who evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively the pertinence and writing of the items. To define the reliability and adequacy in understanding, it was applied to a pilot group of 61 students. In its first review, the instrument was approved by the experts and made suggestions for inclusion of the socioeconomic impact dimension; the judges endorsed the validity of the item content (Aiken´s V> 0.75, LCI> 0.50). The pilot group evaluated the comprehension of items and instructions as excellent. An optimal reliability value was also obtained (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.8890). It is concluded that the instrument is valid in content, reliable and affordable to monitor and evaluate the environmental and sustainability perception in university students.