Digital literacy and science literacy as predictors of conservation attitude: Reconsidering the mediating role of scientific argumentation

Rapid digitalization and growing environmental challenges require students to critically evaluate scientific information and develop responsible conservation attitudes. Limited empirical evidence explains whether scientific argumentation mediates the relationships between digital and science literacy and students’ conservation attitudes. This study examined the structural relationships between digital literacy and science literacy and students’ conservation attitudes, with scientific argumentation positioned as a potential mediator. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2026 involving 314 senior high school students in Pangkep Regency, Indonesia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 4. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable reliability and convergent validity. Digital literacy and science literacy were positively associated with both scientific argumentation and conservation attitudes. However, scientific argumentation was not significantly associated with conservation attitudes and did not mediate the relationships between either digital literacy or science literacy and conservation attitudes. These findings suggest that digital literacy and science literacy are directly associated with conservation attitudes, whereas scientific argumentation is more appropriately understood as a cognitive outcome of literacy competencies rather than as a mediating mechanism. Accordingly, instruction and school policy should integrate digital and scientific literacy, value reflection, ecological concern, and authentic conservation activities to improve educational quality.