Behaviors, Related Attitudes, and Intentions Toward Science (BRAINS) Survey

Search and Filter

Instrument Overview

Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths

Suitable for cross-sectional designs (alternative study design to longitudinal in which individuals at different ages or grade levels are compared on the variable of interest) Grounded in a robust theoretical framework (drawn from the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior (TRAPB))

Cautions

Self-report and some items ask students to predict what they will do much later (e.g. I will study science if I get into a university)

The Behaviors, Related Attitudes, and Intentions Toward Science (BRAINS) Survey is a student survey that measures how young people think about and engage with science. It was created to offer a clearer way to study students’ interest in science and their motivation to take part in scientific activities. The survey is based on the Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior, which connects beliefs and attitudes to actions.

The BRAINS Survey includes 30 items across five areas: attitudes toward science, behavioral beliefs, intentions to engage in science, normative beliefs (influence from others), and control beliefs (confidence in doing science). It can be used to study what shapes students’ interest in science or to evaluate programs that aim to increase science participation.

The tool was validated with a large, representative sample of upper elementary through high school students and is available in an online format for easy administration in schools or research settings.

Organization

Topic
Student Well-Being
Collection(s): Science Instruction and Identity
Collection Category(ies)
Student Aspirations, Interest, and Identity
Tags
Science education

Content

Grades
5th Grade,
6th Grade,
7th Grade,
8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Student

Administration Information

Length
30 items

Access and Use

Price

Not indicated

Contact

Ryan Summers 
Email: ryan.summers@UND.edu
Office: 701.777.3144
Dept: 701.777.3239
Fouad Abd-El-Khalick
Email: provost@provost.umass.edu

Link
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tea.21416
Open Access
No
Use in Research

Peterson, K., & Szrot, L. (2022). Design and evaluation of a classroom-based outreach program to increase eighth graders’ attitudes toward science. Morressier.com. https://www.morressier.com/o/event/623377e0b300ee00119b311f/article/6234a1ca818a915252b81e6c

Psychometrics (additional guidance)

Psychometric References

Castellano, K., & Mikeska, J. (2023). Developing and using a scalable assessment to measure preservice elementary teachers’ content knowledge for teaching about matter. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(6), 1389–1426. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21894

Item Type
Likert