Perception of Citizen Science Project in Ecology Courses Using Rasch Measurement Model

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to obtain information about the knowledge and readiness of students to accept citizen science that is integrated into ecology. Respondents were students of the biology education study program, State Islamic University, Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, who had already completed the Ecology course. Respondents amounted to 75 students consisting of 67 female students and 8 male students. The study employed a quantitative descriptive approach. The perception data obtained was analyzed by utilizing Rasch model measurement software, WINSTEPS version 5.2.4.0. Rasch analysis was chosen based on its capability to model the relationship between item’s difficulty in rating, person’s ability, and possible responses. Data in the feasible category, since the calculated INFIT MNSQ and OUTFIT MNSQ scores are close to 1.0 logit, also the INFIT ZSTD and OUTFIT ZSTD scores are close to 0.0. The Cronbach Alpha value implies that a questionnaire can be accepted to measure student perception. The results of data analysis find out symptoms that students have a desire to try something new that are brought into Ecology courses. The diagnosis of student perceptions also indicates that students are expecting something new to be included in ecology learning that can support the improvement of competence in accordance with their expectations. Keywords: perception, citizen science project, ecology courses, rasch measurement model