Content Validity Testing of Items for Determining the Appropriateness of a Computer Science-Specific Learning Taxonomy Instrument

Abstract

Classification of learning objectives using taxonomies can substantially impact teaching and learning processes if the classifications are appropriate to the subject being taught. There is currently a trend toward the development of computer science-specific taxonomies. However, a tool for determining a new taxonomy’s appropriateness does not exist yet due to a lack of agreement regarding the appropriateness of a taxonomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the content validity of an instrument for assessing the appropriateness of a computer science-specific taxonomy. Five individuals specializing in computer science instruction judged the content validity of individual items on a four-point scale. These experts recommended minor revisions to improve the clarity or wording of the items, and these suggestions were incorporated into the instrument. The individual content validity index (I-CVI) and scale content validity index (S-CVI) were calculated. All the I-CVIs were 1.0, and the average scale content validity index was 1.0. The panel determined that all the items possessed sufficiently high content validity. This degree of content appropriateness indicates that the next stage of instrument development can occur.