Rasch Modelling of a Scale that Explores the Take-Up of Physics Among School Students from the Perspective of Teachers

Abstract

Application of the Rasch measurement model to assess the psychometric properties of a scale relating to factors influencing the take-up of physics among school students, as seen from the lens of physics teachers, is reported in this chapter. It is among the very few studies in the science education literature that use Rasch analysis in the treatment of Likert scale survey data. A total of 190 teachers from 100 schools in Singapore participated in this study. Based on the evaluation of infit and outfit statistics of the survey data, a 29-item scale was finally obtained. Rating scale analysis, person-item mapping, principal component analysis using standardised residuals, differential item functioning, reliability/separation indices, and other Rasch measurements are reported for this reduced scale. The six-point rating scale was found to have been used adequately. No meaningful secondary dimension was found in the data. Invariant property of the scale holds to a reasonable extent, and the items constructed were appropriate for use in a physics teacher sample. The scale developed is useful for obtaining data about the physics teaching and learning environment in school. Implications of the study are discussed.

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