Construct Validation of the STEM Motivation Scale for Children: A Multi-Timepoint Study

This study aimed to examine the effects of a multi-day STEM program on students’ motivation toward STEM fields, using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new instrument developed in this study—“STEM Motivation Scale for Children”. A total of 549 students participated in the study, divided into experimental and control groups, with data collected at three time points. Factor analysis confirmed the structure of the instrument, identifying four latent dimensions: Interest for STEM field, Future Career in STEM, Preference for Practical Instruction, and Curiosity in STEM. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in factor scores within the experimental group following the intervention, with partial retention of the effects three months later. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA and CFA) supported the theoretical structure of the instrument, and reliability and validity indicators were high. In conclusion, the STEM program positively influenced students’ motivation, while the questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory psychometric qualities for use in educational research.