The Science Diagram Comprehension test
Open Access
- Author:
- Myers, Zachary
- Graduate Program:
- Educational Psychology
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- December 01, 2023
- Committee Members:
- Peggy Van Meter, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Jimena Cosso, Committee Member
Matthew McCrudden, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies - Keywords:
- Diagram
Comprehension
Learning
Cognition
Multimedia
Test
Assessment - Abstract:
- Diagrams are a common instructional tool used in STEM classrooms. However, students regularly are unable to comprehend these diagrams. This means that students often struggle to learn from visual representations, such as diagrams. While some work has been done to address this concern, it has been hindered by the lack of a measure of diagram comprehension. The present study reports on the development of an instrument that measures diagram comprehension — the Science Diagram Comprehension Test. The results of item-level analysis, exploratory factor analysis, criterion validity analysis, and reliability analysis all indicate that the Science Diagram Comprehension Test successfully evaluates one’s abilities to comprehend the diagrams found in post-secondary science classrooms. By presenting a tool for evaluating diagram comprehension, the present study will enable future research to evaluate the efficacy of instructional interventions aimed at improving student diagram comprehension ability and examine the relationships between diagram comprehension and the ability to learn from diagrams.