Exploring Attitudes Towards Science Among Malay and Aboriginal Primary Students

Abstract

This study aims to explore the gender, grade level and ethnicity differential in attitudes towards science. Using a 3-point Likert scale 8-item unidimensional Attitudes Towards Science Questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability, the questionnaire was administered to 84 respondents from two national primary schools in Temerloh District in Pahang comprising 29, 25 and 30 primary students from years 4, 5 and 6 respectively. The dataset was analysed using a two-way (gender and grade level) factorial ANOVA and an independent samples t-test for ethnicity. The findings indicated that while there were no significant two-way interactional effect and main gender effect, the grade level effect was significant in which Year 5 and 6 students were having more positive attitudes than Year 4 students. Additionally, the Malay students have a markedly higher level of attitudes towards science as compared to the Aboriginal students. The results are discussed in the context of science teaching and research.