Development and validation of the metaverse perception scale for nursing students

Abstract

Background: The use of Metaverse applications in nursing education is increasing every day and the evaluation of nursing students' perceptions of this new digital technology may guide interventions related to the use of the Metaverse. However, currently, no standardized instrument specifically designed to measure nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse exists in Turkey. Aim: To develop and validate the Metaverse Perception Scale for Turkish nursing students. Method: This methodological study was carried out between March 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 and its sample consisted of 770 nursing students who were enrolled in undergraduate nursing departments of universities in Turkey. The item pool was created based on a literature review and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity, correlation analysis, internal consistency reliability and test-retest analysis. Results: The content validity index for the items ranged between 0.85 - 1.00. According to exploratory factor analysis, the eigenvalue of four factors was greater than one. These four factors explained 77.28 % of the total variance. In the scale model developed for this study, model fit was found to be acceptable for goodness of fit index:.921 and root mean square error of approximation:.064. chi 2/sd: 1.659, normalized fit index:.961 and chisquare/degree of freedom revealed that model fit was at a good level and within the recommended value ranges. It was determined that the scale showed convergent and divergent validity and Cronbach's Alpha value ranged between 0.95 and 0.93 in the subscales. The Metaverse Perception Scale in Nursing Students was found to have a high level of test-retest reliability. Conclusion: This study showed that the scale, which consists of 24 items and four subscales, is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse in the Turkish context. This scale can contribute to the evaluation of Turkish nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse, as well as the effective management of processes related to Metaverse practices.