Table 1 Factor structures of nature of science
Items | Factor loadings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
F1 | F2 | F3 | |
10. Scientific explanations are based on empirical observations or experiments | 0.69 | 0.02 | −0.00 |
2. Because science is based upon empirical evidence it is both testable and refutable | 0.64 | −0.01 | −0.06 |
26. Science is different from other ways of knowing because science requires evidence, emphasizes the use of empirical standards, logical arguments, and skepticism | 0.56 | −0.21 | −0.11 |
7. After scientists have developed a theory, the theory may change if new evidence is discovered to be valid | 0.50 | 0.23 | −0.08 |
9. Scientific theories change with new ways of looking at old evidence | 0.44 | 0.04 | 0.24 |
28. Science is a process of discovering and revealing things that we cannot see with our eyes | 0.41 | −0.11 | 0.12 |
15. Scientists work together in the formulation of new scientific knowledge and rarely disagree about their ideas and explanations | −0.07 | 0.77 | −0.05 |
18. Something that has been researched extensively and “proven scientifically” is no longer subject to change | 0.11 | 0.59 | 0.05 |
21. Acceptance of new scientific knowledge is straightforward and involves minimal controversy | −0.13 | 0.40 | −0.01 |
14. Scientific research can be influenced by the race, gender, nationality, or religion of the scientist | −0.04 | 0.04 | 0.66 |
22. Scientists must utilize creativity and art in the development of new theories about the natural world | 0.02 | −0.07 | 0.50 |