Development and Validation of a Knowledge Test on Scientific Walnut Cultivation

Ruhana Rafiq Ruhi; P.S.Slathia Parladh; Rajinder Peshin Peshin; S.K.Gupta Sushil; Parshant Bakshi Parshant; Manish Sharma Manish; Rakesh Sharma Rakesh; Rakesh Kumar Rakesh

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2025.614RT05

Authors

Ruhana Rafiq SKUAST-Jammu https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6694-012X
P.S.Slathia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6694-012X
Rajinder Peshin
S.K.Gupta
Parshant Bakshi
Manish Sharma
Rakesh Sharma https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4311-5062
Rakesh Kumar https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2527-8185

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.614RT05

Keywords:

Knowledge, Difficulty Index, Discrimination index, Reliability, Validity, Internal Consistency

Abstract

Knowledge is the foundation for shaping attitudes, encouraging adoption of innovations, and guiding logical decision-making. Since knowledge forms the first step in the innovation-diffusion process, followed by persuasion and attitude change. In 2024, a study was carried out in the Pulwama district of the Kashmir region of J&K UT to design a knowledge test for systematic walnut growers with the aim to assess their understanding of various production recommendations. The test was developed using standard psychometric methods to ensure accuracy and reliability. Initially, 32 knowledge-based statements were framed with the help of subject experts. Each statement was analyzed using the difficulty index and discrimination index, which helped identify the most suitable for effectively measuring farmers’ knowledge. Based on this analysis, 14 statements were retained for the final test. To check reliability, the split-half method was applied, yielding a high reliability coefficient of 0.90, using the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula. Furthermore, internal consistency was assured using Cronbach’s alpha, which gave a coefficient of 0.83. It confirmed that the knowledge test was both reliable and valid, making it a strong tool for evaluating the knowledge of walnut growers.

Author Biographies

Ruhana Rafiq, SKUAST-Jammu

Ph.D Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu, Chatha,
P.S.Slathia

Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST -Jammu, Chatha.
Rajinder Peshin

Retired Professor and Director Education, Skuast- Jammu.
S.K.Gupta

Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu
Parshant Bakshi

Professor & Head, Division of Fruit Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Jammu
Manish Sharma

Professor & Head, Division of Statistics and Computer Science, Faculty of Basic Sciences, SKUAST-Jammu
Rakesh Sharma

Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu
Rakesh Kumar

Technical officer, Division of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu

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