What is Scientific Reasoning

The purpose of this study was the development and adaptation of three instruments for the measurement of scientific reasoning, motivation and interest of students towards learning science. Sixteen students of the Bachelor in Aeronautical Engineering answered the questionnaires; they vary in age and gender. The first tool was a questionnaire to measure student motivation toward science learning (MAAC) obtained an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.771. A second instrument for measuring the scientific reasoning (PRC) obtained a Kuder-Richardson 20 formula estimate reliability of .751. The survey of student interest for issues related to science obtained a Cronbach alpha of .845. The study findings confirm the validity and reliability of all instruments. The implications of using these instruments as supports for measuring conceptual change in the students are discussed in the document.