The validity and reliability study of the computer ethics scale created according to the mason model

In this study, it was aimed to develop a reliable and valid scale for the information ethics levels of university students studying in Turkey in line with Mason (1986)'s information ethics dimensions (confidentiality, accessibility, intellectual property, accuracy), the scores of university students from the scale, and the variables considered, intended to be examined. Survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the research. The sample of the research consists of 716 university students in total, who are studying at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University in the city center of Tokat in 2019-2020 and using information technology tools (computer, phone, tablet, etc.). In order to collect the data related to the research province, the informatics ethics scale prepared by the researcher, taking into account the informatics ethics dimensions of Mason (1986) (confidentiality, accuracy, intellectual property, accessibility) was used. During the preparation of the scale, the necessary literature was searched, an item pool was created and the items were supported by expert opinion. Afterwards, a pilot (trial) application was made with the created scale. In the pilot trial phase; A total of 304 participants, 217 women and 87 men, were reached. The validity and reliability study of the scale, which was prepared in line with the data obtained from the pilot study, was conducted. In this direction, first of all, an item analysis was conducted on the informatics ethics scale of the participants. If the relationship between each item in the prepared scale and the other items was not less than 0.30, no item was removed from the scale. In order to determine the internal consistency of the scale, Cronbach's Alpha reliability analysis was performed and the reliability level of the scale was found to be 0.962 at the end of this analysis. Explanatory factor analysis was primarily used for the validity of the scale. KMO and Barlett Sphericity tests, which are the prerequisites of explanatory factor analysis, were examined. In order to be able to decide on the factor structure of the scale, the line was supported with a slope graph. It was observed that the break in the graph occurred after the fourth dimension, so the slope became stable for other factors after the fourth dimension. Afterwards, the indecision status of the items in the scale was examined and it was seen that there was no indecision. When the internal consistency levels of each factor were examined, it was determined that the reliability level of each factor was 0.988, 0.987, 0.970, and 0.930, respectively, and these values were at an acceptable level of reliability. In the main study, a total of 421 people, 214 women and 207 men, were reached. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using the LISREL 8.7 program to verify the explained factor structure in a different sample group. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, it was seen that the factor structure explained was confirmed, so there was no scientific drawback in using the scale. As a result of the main study, it was determined that the general reliability levels of all dimensions of the scale were high (Cronbach's aplha > 0.70). Afterwards, in order to examine the differences in the scores obtained from the scale according to the socio-demographic characteristics, the independent sample t-test was used to compare the groups of 2, and the one-way Anova analysis for more than two groups. According to the research findings, it was determined that the informatics ethics levels of the participants did not differ on gender, personal income and family income status. In the age groups of the participants, it was concluded that the information ethics levels of the students, especially in the 18-21 age group, were higher than the other age groups. In the sub-dimensions of informatics ethics (confidentiality, accuracy, accessibility, intellectual property), it was determined that the participants in the 18-21 age group were higher than the other age groups. In addition, it was concluded that students who use the internet and information technology tools (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) for 8 hours or more per day have higher levels of informatics ethics.