The Bandura’s Self-Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning Scale: A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The reliability of test scores is not a fixed property of an instrument but may vary across populations and testing conditions. Evaluating how a scale performs across different samples is essential for understanding the extent of measurement error and generalizing psychometric properties. In the present study, Bandura’s Self-Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning Scale (SESRLS) was examined using a reliability generalization meta-analysis to assess the generalizability of Cronbach’s alpha across studies. A random-effects model was employed to compute the pooled mean reliability coefficient. In addition, meta-regression was conducted to investigate the impact of study characteristics—both substantive and methodological—on reliability. Moderator variables included categorical factors (age group, mode of administration, test language, region, item type) and continuous variables (mean age, age standard deviation, percentage of females, sample size, number of response options, and number of items). The analysis synthesized 78 alpha coefficients derived from a total sample of 32,116 participants. Bonett’s transformation was applied to stabilize sampling variances associated with bounded reliability estimates. Results revealed that mean raw alpha was .85 (95% CI [.837–.857]) and pooled mean alpha was .869 (95% CI [.857–.884]) for transformed scores. Substantial heterogeneity was detected (I² = 97.6%). Of all moderators examined, only test language significantly predicted reliability coefficients (β = −0.221, p = .047), with slightly higher values reported in non-English versions. No other moderator variables were found to exert a significant influence. These findings support the generalizability of the SESRLS’s reliability estimates across diverse demographic and methodological contexts, while highlighting the need to consider the rigor and quality of the adaptation process in reliability reporting.

Keywords

self-regulated learning self-efficacy reliability generalization score reliability Cronbach's alpha

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