Poster #44 - Rasch Analysis of Puppet Interview Scales of Competence in and Enjoyment of Science With Kindergartners

• In Event: 77.059 - MTCC Tuesday Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 77.059-7 - Rasch Measurement in Education Settings

Abstract

Accurately measuring latent variables regarding STEM interest is vital to researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. A majority of current measures in the literature are appropriate for undergraduate and secondary school students with unacceptably few geared towards elementary and fewer for early childhood. Interest in STEM starts long before secondary school. This study used Rasch analysis to examine the validity and reliability of the Puppet Interview Scales of Competence in and Enjoyment of Science with Kindergarten students. Results support a single construct unlike previous findings using exploratory factor analysis. Items regarding interest in science were the easiest to endorse and competency items were harder to endorse. This scale can be considered a valid tool for measuring child interests in science.

Authors

• Courtney Donovan, University of Colorado - Denver

• Sarah Brenkert

• Maggie Miller