Table 2 Standardized factor loadings and factor correlations for the measurement model

Empathy

1. When people talk to me about their views on community service, I listen carefully

0.837***

0.027

 < 0.001

2. I try to understand how people feel about community service

0.846***

0.029

 < 0.001

3. When people have a need for community services, I want to know the reasons behind it

0.841***

0.027

 < 0.001

4. I talk to people in the community who need help so I can better understand their needs

0.821***

0.028

 < 0.001

Citizenship

In the STEM lessons…

1. I think it makes sense to combine STEM and community service

0.864***

0.031

 < 0.001

2. I hope to use STEM knowledge to improve the lives of people in my community

0.897***

0.019

 < 0.001

3. I hope to participate in more hands-on activities that use STEM knowledge to solve real-life problems

0.854***

0.024

 < 0.001

Perseverance in learning STEM

In the STEM lessons…

1. I always try to solve the problems I encounter

0.810***

0.025

 < 0.001

2. I always try my best to complete all the tasks assigned by the teachers

0.897***

0.018

 < 0.001

3. I always try my best to complete all the tasks assigned in my group

0.886***

0.022

 < 0.001

4. I always try my best to complete every task I am assigned

0.919***

0.015

 < 0.001

Factor correlations

1

2

1. Empathy

–

2. Citizenship

0.818***

–

3. Perseverance

0.826***

0.868***