Interest in Environmental Issues as a Determinant of Science Literacy: A Multinational Review with Artificial Neural Network Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze from a multinational perspective, whether interest in environmental issues is a determining factor on science literacy, using PISA-2018 data. In this study, where one of the quantitative research models; relational survey model was used, the secondary data obtained from the PISA-2018 evaluation were analyzed. The data of 98306 students at the age of 15 in 15 different countries were used. In the analysis of the data obtained, t-test, multiple regression analysis, and artificial neural network analysis were used. According to the results of the analysis, significant differences were found between the science literacy scores of the students who were very interested in the environmental issues in their country and those who were not interested at all. Similarly, significant differences were found between the science literacy scores of students who were very interested in environmental issues in other countries and those who were not interested at all. In addition, it can be stated that the students' relevance to environmental problems are factors that statistically predict students' science literacy in a significant way. Based on the results of the study, suggestions were made.