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Table 2 Domains, scales, definitions, and item examples for the common instrument suite—student survey

From: From quality to outcomes: a national study of afterschool STEM programming

Domain

Scale

Definition

Example item

# items

Scale endpoints

STEM attitudes

STEM engagement

Interest and excitement in participating in STEM

“I like to participate in science projects.”

10

Strongly disagree to strongly agree

STEM career interest

Motivation to pursue a career in STEM

“Science will help me find a job.”

7

Strongly disagree to strongly agree

STEM career knowledge

Knowledge of STEM-related careers and the steps to attain them

“I know about different kinds of science jobs.”

4

Not informed at all to very well informed

STEM identity

Understanding of oneself as a person who can do STEM and be in STEM

“I think of myself as a science person.”

7

Strongly disagree to strongly agree

STEM activity participation

Pursuit of STEM activities in everyday life

“I watch science TV shows.”

4

Hardly ever to very often

SEL/twenty-first-century skills

Relationships with adults

Positive connections and attitudes toward interactions with adults

“There are adults who are interested in what I have to say.”

4

Not at all to almost always

Relationships with peers

Positive and supportive social connections with friends and classmates

“I have friends who care about me.”

4

Not at all to almost always

Perseverance

Persistence in work and problem-solving despite obstacles

“I keep working even if it takes longer than I thought it would.”

4

Not at all to almost always

Critical thinking

Examination of information, exploration of ideas, and independent thought

“I like to think of different ways to solve a problem.”

5

Not at all to almost always

  1. Note: The present study used a 10-form planned missing data design for the CIS-S, which reduced the number of questions answered by each student to a total of approximately 30 items plus five student background questions. While many of the survey items emphasize general science, the scales are labeled as STEM outcomes broadly because the survey includes items that address all four domains that make up STEM, and most programs focused on more than one STEM domain