Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Students' Interests and Motivation in Science Learning

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Twelve
  In Roundtable Session: Measure Development in Motivation Research (Table 12)

Abstract

In this study, we examined the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of Motivated Strategies for Science Learning (MSSL). Data were collected from 2,765 5th grade students across Texas. Results from factor analysis suggested satisfactory psychometric properties of MSSL. We further identified strong evidence to support configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across school location groups (rural and non-rural), confirming the appropriate use of MSSL that can accurately capture the construct of MSSL among students from both rural and non-rural Texas schools. The study provides the first step to measuring Texas rural and non-rural school students’ motivation and strategies toward science learning. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Shifang Tang, Texas A&M University - Commerce
  Presenting Author

• Zhuoying Wang, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Cindy L. Guerrero, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Pamela Aguilar, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author