Measuring the Attitude Towards Science in Pakistan a Study of Secondary School Students

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the attitude of students of secondary classes towards science. The data was collected from seven secondary schools situated in Model Town and Kahna area of Lahore. The sample consisted of 600 students, both male and female drawn from science as well as humanities streams. The instrument used for collection of data was a modified version of Modified Fennema-Sherman Attitude Scales by Diana Doepken, Ellen Lawsky and Linda Padwa. It consisted of 28 items questionnaire to be responded on a 5-point Likert Scale. The analysis of the data was done by using t-test, ANOVA and LSD test. The study revealed that all students of secondary classes had positive attitude towards science. Attitudes of females are even more positive. Similarly students of Science Group have more positive attitude than those of Humanities Group. The study further revealed that parental attitude and school type also contribute towards development of positive attitude of students towards science.

Keywords: measuring, attitude, science, Pakistan, secondary school students

JEL Classification: Z00