A Scale to Measure Science Communication Training Effectiveness

Abstract

The research describes efforts toward developing a valid and reliable scale used to assess science communication training effectiveness (SCTE) undertaken in conjunction with a 4-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. Results suggest that the SCTE scale possesses acceptable psychometric properties, specifically reliability and validity, with regard to responses from graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. While it cannot be concluded that the SCTE scale is the “be-all-end-all” tool, it may assist investigators in gauging success of science communication training efforts and by identifying aspects of the program that are working or that need improving.