Examines the role of affective behavioral objectives in science education. Includes a survey of what "affective" means from various perspectives. Defines "scientific attitudes" versus "attitudes to science" to clarify a conceptual framework for research. Presents problems with previous research and raises basic…

Using a theoretical model which examines three essential features thought to influence student attitudes (teacher, students, learning environment), the relationship between these features at three grade levels (4th--N=649, 7th--N=630, 9th--N=686) was investigated. Correlational/regression analyses, conclusions, and implications are reported.…

Results from meta-analysis of studies on student attitudes toward science are discussed. Includes description of meta-analysis techniques, discussion of attitudes toward science (with a proposed definition), a theoretical framework for studying attitudes which provides a structure for synthesis studies, and recommendations, including those related…

Following descriptions of a semantic differential (SD) and test of science-related attitudes (TOSRA)--a Likert-type scale--reports results of using the instruments with secondary school students in various Australian schools (N=1,049 for TOSRA and 1,116 for SD). Suggests SD for general attitude and Likert-type scales of specific attitude…

Presents a brief overview of the area of attitude research in science education. Highlights the need to evaluate students in relation to the affective domain. Discusses evaluation techniques, problems associated with evaluation, and some existing instruments and their associated limitations. (CW)

Identifies some of the problems of attitude assessment in science education. Describes the development of the Attitude Toward the Subject Science Scale (ATSSS) and gives an overview of the Ajzen and Fishbein attitude theories. Provides five sample items. (YP)