Construction of the questionnaire Competencies in sustainability of university students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop and validate the "Competencies in sustainability of university students" electronic questionnaire. A mixed-methods approach with a three-phase sequential exploratory design was used. In the first phase, five key sustainability competencies were identified: systemic-complex thinking, critical thinking, anticipation, self-awareness, and collaboration. The second phase focused on constructing the questionnaire. In the third phase, validity evidence was gathered, including content validity, response process validity, and construct validity, along with reliability data. A pilot study was conducted with 264 students from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. The analysis of content and response process validity led to revisions of the initial questionnaire, including the removal of certain items, the creation of new ones, the use of vignettes for critical thinking, and item-wording improvements. Statistical analyses of internal structure and construct validity included Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale and exploratory factor analysis. The questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability (0.77) and a three-factor solution was obtained revealing a convergence of items related to different competencies. This convergence reflects the need for an integrative approach to multiple competencies to understand and analyze the topics addressed in the questionnaire items.