Knowledge Integration Model of Blockchain Technology in Higher Learning Institutions: A Rasch Measurement Model Approach for Pilot Study

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative tool in higher education, offering secure, transparent, and tamper-proof systems for credential verification, academic record management, and institutional data governance. Despite its potential, adoption remains limited due to technical, financial, and organizational barriers, alongside a lack of validated measurement tools to assess readiness and integration. This pilot study aims to validate an instrument grounded in the Knowledge Integration Model of Blockchain Technology for Higher Learning Institutions using the Rasch Measurement Model. A 50 item survey was administered to 31 purposively sampled stakeholders, including academics, researchers, and postgraduate students with blockchain related experience. Data analysis using WINSTEPS 3.92.1 assessed reliability, item-person fit, unidimensionality, and targeting through Wright Map analysis. The results showed satisfactory reliability (person = 0.82; item = 0.77). Four items (B5, B6, D8, C7) exceeded the acceptable outfit MNSQ threshold (>1.5) and were revised to enhance instrument quality. However, several items showed misfit and require refinement, and the Wright Map indicated a need for more challenging items to better target high ability respondents. Unidimensionality testing revealed a dominant construct with minor secondary dimensions, suggesting further refinement for conceptual clarity. These findings provide preliminary evidence the instrument’s potential for large scale application, providing a foundation for assessing blockchain knowledge integration and guiding policy and strategic implementation in higher education.