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Science Process Skills Inventory (SPSI)

The inventory consists of eleven items, each representing a different skill in the science inquiry process. Youth are prompted to respond to each statement using a 4-point Likert scale indicating how often they practice each of the items when doing science: Never (1), sometimes (2), usually (3), and always (4). Recommended scoring of the SPSI is the calculation of a composite science process skills score. This is calculated by summing the individual ratings for each item. The score range for the composite score is 11-44.

Supplemental Information:

Science_Process_Skills_Inventory_1.pdf (85.6 KB) download

Assessment Type:

11 Likert scale items

Scale:

4 point Likert scale

Publication Date:

May 06, 2010

Respondent:

106 middle school students (2007 and 2008). The inventory is intended for use with youth ages 12 and over.

Domain(s) Evaluated:

Engagement, Attitude

Sample items:

I can use scientific knowledge to form a question. I can use the results of my investigation to answer the question that I asked.

Reliability:

Principle component analysis using promax rotation indicated consistency with a single factor solution for the scale. Split-half reliability was .93.

Validity:

Cronbach’s alpha calculated for pre/post program revealed coefficients of .84 and .94 respectively.

Frequency:

sometimes

Administration time:

10 minutes

Requires a Computer:

Requires Internet Access:

Primary reference:

Bourdeau, V. D. & Arnold, M. E. (2009). /The Science Process Skills Inventory/. Corvallis, OR: 4-H Youth Development Education, Oregon State University.

Comments:

SPSI was developed to measure overall ability of students to understand and use the range of skills related to the cycle of science inquiry. These skills include forming scientific questions, designing scientific procedures, collecting and recording data, analyzing results, using models to describe results and creating scientific presentations. The tool was used by Oregon 4-H in conjunction with several other pre and post tests, including SOS and open ended questions about campers experiences, to assess the quality of their science summer camp.