Scientific attitude – some psychometric considerations

Abstract

In the present context of the revolution of science and technology, imortance of science education is being recognised more and more. In fact, achievement in science has become one of the major quality parameters of students. Among several determinants of achievement in science, scientific attitude is an important one. Students’ scientific attitude should be a major concern of science teacher. In particular, the knowledge of different operational dimensions of scientific attitude and its measument might enable a science teacher to identify inclination of science learners towards different endeavours in science.This psychometric consideration of scientific attitude is focal area of the present study. The study has explained the term ‘attitude’ in general, and ‘scientific attitude’, in particular. Various operational dimensions of the construct have also been discussed with reference to a detailed review of related literature. Emphasis has been given to the scientific attitude of secondary school learners. Different available tools have also been reviewed. A tool having sound psychometric basis and siutable for the present purpose has also been identified in light of this review, which may be used by a science teacher in secondary science classroom.