Student Innovativeness as Mediator Between Science Competence and Attitudes Toward Science and Technology Among Junior High School Students

AUTHOR(S)

ANNABEL P. PATARATA ROGAR R. GARCIA, EdD

ABSTRACT

—— Negative attitudes toward science and technology are a global concern. This study determined the mediating effect of innovativeness on the relationship between competence in learning science and attitudes toward science and technology. Using predictive research design and mediation analysis on data collected from 280 participants selected through stratified random sampling, the findings revealed that innovativeness partially mediates the relationship between competence in learning science and attitudes toward science and technology, the model explained 38% of the variance, indicating that 62% of the variance may be attributed to other factors not included in the study. These results support Social Cognitive Theory emphasizing the interaction of cognitive, personal, and behavioral factors in shaping student outcomes. The study further recommends conducting additional research to explore other mediating variables that may account for the remaining 62% of the variance. Moreover, it suggests that educational leaders implement innovation-focused seminars and workshops to enhance students’ attitudes toward science and technology. Keywords: Student innovativeness, science competence, attitudes toward science and technology, junior high school students