Adapting the Beliefs about the Nature of Science Questionnaire

Resumo

Background: Assessing beliefs about the Nature of science presents many problematic issues, frequently involving instruments with limited validity and reliability, unstable dimensions, which limit the replicability of the instrument. Aim: In this study, we verify the validity and reliability of the adapted version of the Beliefs about the Nature of Science (BANOS) questionnaire to assess Brazilian science teachers. BANOS proposes to assess the eight NOS aspects outlined in the consensus view. Design: The questionnaire was adapted through translation, construct validity testing, and a pilot study. Data collection and analysis: In the validation processes, the data were analysed in terms of structural and convergent validity, as well as invariance measurement. Setting and Participants: A total of 388 Brazilian in-service science teachers completed the questionnaire form. Results: Results of EFA and CFA indicated a five-factor structure for the BANOS. Invariance measurement at the configural, metric, and scalar levels showed that the questionnaire is equivalent between genders. Additionally, internal consistency factors varied from good to acceptable values (α = 0.82 to 0.62). Teachers demonstrated varying levels of belief in the NOS dimensions. Conclusions: The present study supports the notion that the BANOS questionnaire, with five factors, is a valid and reliable instrument.