Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Roshni Thampi and Dr. Allan Thomas

Abstract:
This research study aimed to develop a comprehensive scale for evaluating technology dimensions in coastal home gardens of Kerala, India. A total of 120 items were generated to delineate technology dimensions using Likert's summated rating method for scale construction. The relevancy of the items was established by judges' ratings, and the scores were summated over all the respondents to calculate the relevancy index. Single ANOVA was used as a statistical tool to select indicators, where the ones with a mean value less than 4.49 (Critical difference = 0.26) were chosen. The final scale consists of 26 variables under 8 selected dimensions, with split-half reliability assessed using the odd-even method, yielding a reliability of 0.917. The content validity criterion was met by including items covering the universe of content with respect to different dimensions of technology in the scale. The final items selected satisfied the construct validity criterion with Pearson's coefficient values greater than the tabulated value (0.25 at 0.05 level of significance), validating the scale for delineating the dimensions of technology in coastal home gardens. Overall, this study presents a multidisciplinary approach for developing a reliable and valid scale for evaluating technology dimensions in coastal home gardens of Kerala, India, which has important implications for sustainable agriculture practices.