CHEMISTRY SELF-CONCEPT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INVESTIGATED BY THE PREPARATION AND VALIDATION OF A SCALE

ABSTRACT:

In this study, we present the process of developing and validating a chemistry self-concept scale for Brazilian high school students and of evaluating the configuration of the sample’s self-concept. We developed a structural model and a test that was applied to 203 students. The analysis was done using the item response theory and the classic test theory. The results indicated that the scale is valid and comprises three factors: performance, interest, and cognitive engagement. None of these factors prevail in the self-concept, which means that they all contribute equally to dimension this construct. Through this analysis, we also identified that only sex was a predictor. However, it only influenced the self-concept in the performance factor.

Keywords:
Chemistry Self-concept Scale; Instrument validation; Item Response Theory