Construction of Knowledge Test to Measure the Knowledge Level of Farming Families Regarding Environmental Pollution in Punjab, India

Abstract

Today the negative impact of man’s activity on our environment is globally highlighted. An increase in knowledge can go a long way in minimizing the causes of environmental pollution. The present study is aimed to develop a knowledge test to measure the knowledge level of farming families regarding environmental pollution. The knowledge about environmental pollution was studied in terms of causes, effects, and mitigation strategies. Test construction involved the systematic generation of pilot test items based on the literature studied. Initially, 36 items were finalized which 27 per cent of the top group were constituted a high group and 27 per cent of the bottom group a low group from Ludhiana district, Punjab, India. Scores of ‘0’ and ‘1’ were given to incorrect and correct answers respectively. Based on responses recorded, pilot items were further calculated for item difficulty index and discriminating power. Accordingly, items were finalized for the knowledge test. The developed knowledge test was tested for reliability and validity which came out to be 86 per cent reliable and 92 per cent valid which showed that the knowledge test was reliable and quite valid. The developed knowledge test can be used to measure the knowledge level of farming families regarding environmental pollution.