Developing and Validating a Social Tolerance and Group Cohesion Scale for Higher Education Students

Abstract

The development of valid and reliable instruments is essential for accurately assessing social attitudes and interpersonal dynamics within higher education institutions. This study aimed to develop and validate a social tolerance and group cohesion scale for undergraduate students in higher education. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed at a public sector university. The study population comprised undergraduate students enrolled in BS (4 Year) programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Using proportionate random sampling, 393 students were selected from six academic departments based on Yamane's (1967) sample size formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire following pilot testing to ensure clarity and reliability. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, while confirmatory factor analysis was performed to establish construct validity. The findings indicated that the developed scale possesses satisfactory reliability and strong construct validity, confirming its suitability for measuring social tolerance and group cohesion among university students. The validated instrument provides researchers, educators, and policymakers with a standardized tool to assess students' social attitudes, evaluate institutional initiatives promoting inclusivity, and design evidence-based interventions that foster mutual respect, collaboration, and cohesive learning environments. Future studies should examine the scale's applicability across diverse educational institutions and cultural contexts to strengthen its generalizability.