Nature perception scale for children: A validity and reliability study

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to develop a valid and reliable scale that identifies primary school students' perceptions of nature. The participants consist of primary school students studying in 14 different cities across 7 regions of Turkey during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. In line with the research purpose, the literature has been reviewed regarding scale development process, and a pool of 75 items has been created. 13 of those items have been removed in accordance with field experts' opinions. The draft form with the remaining 62 items has been administered to 643 students studying in different provinces. As a result of the analyses applied to the draft scale, a 24-item scale composed of a single factor has been produced. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, item discrimination analysis, and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient calculations have been performed using data from 333 students. Test-retest reliability data have been collected from 170 students whereas criterion validity data have been gathered from 140 students. Data analysis has been completed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical package programs. The Nature Perception Scale for Children has been determined as a valid and reliable tool that can be used to elicit primary school students' perceptions of nature.