Validity and Reliability of a Newly Developed Malay-Version Questionnaire on Malaysian Public Readiness, Reaction, and Willingness Towards Terrorism

Abstract

Background: Identifying the level of readiness, reaction to terrorist attacks, and willingness to participate in developing an action plan against terrorism is vital in formulating an ideal anti-terrorism package.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a newly developed questionnaire in Malay to assess the level of readiness, reaction, and willingness to terrorism among Malaysians.

Methodology: A validation study involving 150 respondents was conducted from 1st January to 31st March 2017. The study was unique in its focus on residents in two distinct districts (urban and rural) of Kelantan, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire, developed through local expert discussions on terrorism was used. The questionnaire consists of 28 items assessing three domains: readiness, reaction, and willingness. The study employed exploratory factor analysis, reliability of internal consistency, and descriptive analysis.

Result: Factor analysis resulted in the retention of 12 items for the readiness domain, with 1 item excluded. The reaction domain retained all 10 items, and the analysis was performed separately for two distinct groups, each serving different purposes. In the willingness domain, 2 out of the 6 items were excluded from the analysis, leaving 4 items. The newly developed Malay version of the questionnaire consists of 25 items. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the final questionnaire for each domain were 0.88 (readiness), 0.73 (reaction–independence group), 0.87 (reaction–dependence group), and 0.82 (willingness).

Conclusion: The newly developed Malay version of the questionnaire has the potential to be a reliable and valid tool, demonstrating excellent internal consistency. This tool is now available and intends to assess Malaysian readiness, reactions, and willingness towards terrorism, providing a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and policymakers.