Effects of Interest in Science, Study Habits, Sex and Level of Study on the Nature of Science Literacy Level of Undergraduate Chemistry Students of the University of the West Indies, Barbados

Abstract

In this study, the nature of science (NOS) literacy level of students enrolled in chemistry courses at the UWI-Cave Hill Campus as well as the effect of the students’ general interest in Science, their study habits, level of study and sex on their level of NOS literacy was investigated. A descriptive survey research design was employed utilizing two instruments: the Predictors of Students’ Knowledge of NOS Questionnaire and Wenning’s NOS Literacy Test (NOSLiT). There were 80 students who participated in the study and the data collected was analyzed using the mean scores and standard deviations as well as ANOVA, t-test and linear regression at a 95% confidence level. It was concluded that on average the chemistry students demonstrated good knowledge of the nature of science. There was statistical difference in the students’ level of NOS literacy based on their study habits but not their sex, level of study or interest in Science. The joint contribution of variables to the students; level of NOS literacy was not significant however; their interest in Science was the greatest contributor.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n2p267