Development of the Problem Solving Scale in Science Education (PSSSE): The Reliability and Validity Study

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument measuring the 60-72 months old children’s problem solving skills in preschool science education. A total of 174 children were randomly selected and included in the study to achieve the reliability and validity studies. Exploratory factor analysis, item-total correlations, mean differences of the lower and upper groups, Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient, scoring consistency between the independent judges, and test-retest correlation coefficients were computed to achieve the reliability and validity. The scale had a total of 16 items on two factors as a result of the exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.75. The inter consistency between the independent judges was computed and no significant difference was found. The test-retest correlation coefficient was computed as 0.96 between two applications done with an interval of four weeks. As a result of the reliability and validity analysis, the Problem Solving Scale in Science Education (PSSSE) was found to be a reliable and valid scale for the implementation with preschool children between 60-72 months old.