摘要：Commonly, survey instrument reliability is achieved through Cronbachs alpha and ExploratoryFactor Analysis (EFA). However, the existence of different values rule of thumb often creates confusion fornovice researchers. Thus, the study aims to investigate the crucial role of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) inassisting the reliability testing of a survey instrument via. box plot to clearly understand the instruments items.The instrument was adapted and adopted from well-established instrument of the National Survey of StudentEngagement (NSSE) which consists of 4 constructs, 13 dimensions and total of 59 items. The study focuseson student-faculty interaction dimension which comprises 6 items. The finding shows that item 1a is causingthe internal inconsistency which jeopardizing the reliability of the student-faculty interaction dimension. Hence,by using EDA in depth understanding is obtained and cross checked with Cronbachs alpha and EFA valuesin removing the item from the instrument. Thus, emphasizing the crucial role of EDA in assessing surveyinstrument reliability where in depth understanding regarding the item offers alternative solution to overcomethe problem of different rule of thumb of Cronbachs alpha and EFA values.
关键词：Exploratory data analysis;survey instrument;reliability;Cronbachs alpha;exploratory factor analysis;NSSE
