A Meta-Analysis Application of Personality Trait Reliability and Animal Welfare

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the reasons of variation in the reliability coefficients reported in each study and to determine the mean value for the reliability coefficients reported in the studies involving animal welfare and various personal characteristics. In this regard, 23 articles published between 2018 and 2024 looked at a total of 25574 objects. The Cronbach alpha values of 23 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were combined to perform a reliability generalization meta-analysis research. Jamovi 2.6.19 packet routines were useful for data analysis. The studies' Cronbach alpha values were transformed into transformed coefficient values, and the random effects model was employed for the analysis. The 23 studies had a mean Cronbach alpha value of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87), which was statistically significant (p<0.01). The findings indicate that this meta-analysis study does not exhibit publication bias. To explore potential causes of variability between individual research, moderator analyses were carried out. The Cronbach alpha coefficient changed considerably based on the item, number of alternatives, sample content, and structure of the data collection instrument, according to these analysis results. Other variables that are thought to affect reliability can be controlled, and their effects on the reliability coefficient can be examined, in addition to the variables included in this study.