Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS): Reliability and Validity in a Nationwide Sample of Greek Educators

• Main Authors: Ntina Kourmousi, Eirini Amanaki, Chara Tzavara, Vasilios Koutras
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-03-01
• Series: Social Sciences
• Subjects: active listening; Active Listening Attitude Scale; ALAS; teachers/educators; reliability; validity; Greek sample
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/6/1/28

The present study examined the Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) validity and reliability in a sample of 3955 Greek educators. The sample was randomly split and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in the even subsample to evaluate the scale’s construct validity. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed in the odd subsample to confirm the three-factor model identified by the EFA. The chi square test (χ2) of the model was significant (p < 0.05), due to the large sample size. The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the comparative fit index (CFI) and the goodness of fit index (GFI) values were 0.079, 0.969 and 0.960, respectively, further supporting the fit of the three-factor model. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test internal consistency reliability and was satisfactory exceeding 0.72 for ALAS subscales. The intercorrelations of the three subscales were all positive and significant (p < 0.001), ranging from 0.20 to 0.42. Student’s t-tests and the computation of effect sizes revealed that women scored higher on Listening Skill and Conversation Opportunity, while principals and participants trained on mental health promotion scored higher on all three subscales. The analyses confirmed the three-factor model of ALAS and demonstrated its validity and reliability in measuring Greek teachers’ active listening attitudes.