Work

Assessing scientific thinking: Development and validation of a classroom test battery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Scientific thinking is a fundamental pillar of modern science education. However, ensuring the reliability and validity of various assessment tools is a challenging task. Therefore, this study developed, validated, and optimized a test battery for classroom use that evaluates three key dimensions of scientific thinking, namely, scientific reasoning (SR), deductive reasoning (DR), and control of variables (CoV). Reliability and construct validity were determined using Cronbach’s ⍺ and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), respectively. Excellent internal consistency was determined for the test battery’s revised and optimized versions (⍺ = .873 for SR,.912 for DR, and.767 for CoV). Moreover, CFA revealed a good model fit for the three optimized instruments, which was evidence of unidimensionality. This study offers educators, researchers, and policymakers a valuable resource for evaluating and enhancing scientific thinking in STEM.

Source: Social Sciences & Humanities Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.102750

Authors: Langat Gilbert Cheruiyot, Gyöngyvér Molnár

Institution: University of Szeged

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180