This study aims to develop a valid and reliable personal data privacy awareness scale. The study was conducted with an exploratory sequential mixed design based on mixed method research. The participants of the study consisted of 704 university students studying at different grade levels and in different departments of state and foundation universities. In order to create the draft form of the study, the literature on the subject was reviewed and a 33-item question pool was prepared by field expert researchers. After the expert opinions were received and the pilot application was carried out, the draft form was finalized and the main application was started. The data obtained after the main application were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL statistical programs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to ensure construct validity during data analysis. The reliability of the scale was calculated with Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient. Total item correlation values and discriminant validity values were also calculated. The confirmatory factor analysis findings revealed that the scale had a five-factor structure and the fit indices showed acceptable (AGFI=0.82 and GFI=0.85) and excellent (χ2/sd=2.36, NFI=0.96, CFI=0.97, IFI=0.97, RMR=0.06 and RMSEA=0.07) fit. As a result of the research, a five-point Likert-type “Personal Data Protection Awareness Survey” consisting of 26 items with a Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient of 0.75 was developed. The results of the study reveal that the developed scale can be used as a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Keywords: Protection of personal data, awareness, personal data, privacy, scale, university students