Empirical Separability of the Constructs "Scientific Investigation," "Scientific Modeling," and "Nature of Science" in Chemistry

• In Event: Roundtable Session 57
  In Roundtable Session: Investigating Characteristics of Assessment Measures and Data: Applications in K–12 Settings

Abstract

Scientific literacy has become an internationally well-recognized goal of education and embodies scientific knowledge the general public should have. Besides content knowledge, scientific literacy includes the constructs ‘Scientific Investigation’, ‘Scientific Modeling’ and ‘Nature of Science’. This study aims at developing a paper-pencil-test to examine whether these three constructs are empirically separable by using a multi-matrix design and a sample of 1043 students. As these principles and aims of school education not only apply in Germany but in several countries, the international community of educational research can benefit from this study’s findings and derive interpretations and approaches for their own school system. Furthermore, the developed test may be adapted to be used in other countries to allow comparisons.

Authors

• Carina Gehlen, University Duisburg - Essen

• Maik Walpuski, University of Duisburg-Essen