Psychometric properties of the Scientific Inquiry Scale

Abstract

Introduction. There are a few methods to study inquiry’s abilities in Chile, despite its importance in science education. This study analyzes the psychometric properties of a Scientific Inquiry Scale in pedagogy students of two Chilean universities.Method. The study uses an instrumental design with 325 students from 3 pedagogy majors. As a measurement instrument, it uses a scale based on one of the dimensions of Miranda’s Tasks in Critical Thinking test. Descriptive statistics of reliability and dimensionality were used for the analysis.Results. The results show three items under the mean, two within the mean and three slightly over it, with adequate ranges of asymmetry and kurtosis. Dimensions analysis accounts for a three-factor model with good fit indicators, related to the three ability foci observed in this ability: exploration with three items related, comprehension with two items and inference with three items. The reliability analysis is adequate but lower than expected (.61) and an adequate level of interjudge consistency, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .62.Discussion and Conclusion. Scientific Inquiry Scale is reliable and allows for analysis of the main elements of the ability to inquire, which is relevant for scientific reasoning. However, it is necessary to investigate the external validity.