Development of a distance education attitude scale for lifelong learning (DEAS-LLL): a validity and reliability study

ABSTRACT

In recent times, the utilization of distance education (DE) has witnessed a notable surge across various sectors, particularly amidst the backdrop of pandemics. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive Distance Education Attitude Scale tailored for Lifelong Learning (LLL) contexts. Methodologically, the research enlisted the participation of 260 physicians, employing a five-point Likert scale design. The content validity index yielded an impressive score of 0.92. Following a rigorous 48-item pilot application among 30 physicians, a refined 37-item draft scale emerged. Through explanatory factor analysis, the scale revealed a robust 4-factor structure comprising 22 items. Model fit indices, gauged through confirmatory factor analysis, underscored the scale's coherence and alignment. In the test-retest phase, an analysis utilizing Pearson Correlation Coefficient yielded a robust correlation coefficient of r = 0.891, signifying high stability over time. Moreover, a paired-sample t-test revealed non-significant differences (t = −0.041, p:0.968), further affirming the scale's reliability. With a commendable Cronbach's alpha value of 0.946, the finalized “Distance Education Attitude Scale in Lifelong Learning” stands as a validated and highly reliable instrument, particularly among physicians. Its applicability extends to academic inquiries regarding distance education and holds promise for validation across diverse adult learning cohorts.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitude
• distance education
• lifelong learning
• scale development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fetiye Aykış

Fetiye Aykış is a medical doctor in the department of family medicine at İstanbul Kartal No. 12 Family Healthcare Center. She graduated as a family doctor specialist from University of Health Sciences Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital in 2022. She graduated as a medical doctor from Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine in 2017. Her side hustle is beginner-level programmer.

Yasemin Kılıç Öztürk

Yasemin Kılıç Öztürk, who is particularly specialized in General Practice and working at the University of Health Sciences, Izmir Faculty of Medicine and Tepecik Training and Research Hospital at the Family Medicine Department. She has developed a special interest in palliative care in 2012 and since then has been working to develop Palliative Care Services in Turkey. Ozturk has graduated as the Assoc. Prof. degree in 2018. She has been the Medical Director of the first Family Medicine Palliative Care Center in Turkey and has been working to improve palliative care practices and research all over the country. She is actively working in many nGOs in Turkey; and she is selected to be one of the 20 Palliative Care Leaders by the Steering Committee of the European Palliative Care Academy (EUPCA) in 2017.