The littering attitude scale (LAS): Development and structural validation using data from an indigenous (Nigerian) sample

Abstract

Purpose

Validated and reliable measure of littering attitude is lacking, therefore the purpose of this paper is to describe the development and psychometric evaluation of the littering attitude scale (LAS) as a new self-report measure to assess littering attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

The internal consistency reliability and validity of LAS were investigated in a cross-sectional survey of 1,360 urban residents in a South-western State in Nigeria. Data were analysed using reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis suggested a 15-item scale with one general underlying factor. Reliability analysis score for the 15-item scale revealed a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.87. The scores of the LAS items indicated good internal consistency and construct validity consistent with the principles of scale development. The scale also showed a good fit in confirmatory factor analysis for the sample.

Research limitations/implications

The aims of the study related to determining the validity, appropriateness, utility and feasibility of LAS were achieved. However, further studies should be done to validate the scale in other cultural settings.

Practical implications

The findings suggested that LAS captures littering attitude and holds promise as a useful tool to conduct environmental audit by scholars, practitioners, and non-governmental organisations who are interested in the social and behavioural management of environmental quality.

Originality/value

This is the first scale to measure littering attitude. The scale can be used by practitioners and researchers to conduct benchmarking studies on littering attitude.

Citation

Ojedokun, O. (2015), "The littering attitude scale (LAS): Development and structural validation using data from an indigenous (Nigerian) sample", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 552-565. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-12-2014-0175