DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN INSTRUMENT MEASURING ANXIETY TOWARD PHYSICS LABORATORY CLASSES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The learning in the physics laboratory is related to several non-cognitive variables such as anxiety which has a significant role in teaching and learning process. Therefore, university students may have different thoughts and anxiety levels towards physics laboratory class. The aim of this research was to develop a measurement tool assessing the anxiety levels of university students in a physics laboratory class. In this research the Physics Laboratory Anxiety Scale (P-LAS) consisting of 18 items was developed, and its validity and reliability were analysed. The sample consisted of 557 university students (295 female and 262 male) who take physics and/or physics laboratory classes at three different Faculties of Education. Validity of the scale was first assessed by expert review. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess structural validity, and revealed a one-dimensional structure. The loading values of all 18 items varied between 0.58 and 0.80, and explained 52% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as 0.94 and the split-half test correlation was 0.76. These results showed that P-LAS can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in physics education.