Dimensions of Attitudes Toward Science: A Translation and Validation for the U.S. Context

• In Event: 34.079 - Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 34.079-13 - Validity and Psychometrics in Support of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners

Abstract

The Dimensions of Attitudes towards Science Instrument (DAS), an instrument to measure elementary teachers’ attitudes toward teaching science, was originally written in Dutch and validated with a population from the Netherlands. The purpose of this study was to review the development and evolution of the DAS, translate the DAS into English, and examine its psychometric properties with a U.S. sample population of elementary teachers. After translation and expert review, the DAS was administered to a sample of 300 U.S. in-service and pre-service teachers. The fit indices values supported a seven-factor theoretical model. The DAS was also found to have good internal consistency. This study confirmed the DAS is a valid instrument for a U.S., English-speaking elementary teachers.

Authors

• Jillian L Wendt, University of the District of Columbia

• Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, University of Memphis