Inquiry is essentially a process in which research questions are asked and an attempt is made to find the answers. However, the formulation of operational research questions of the sort used in authentic scientific inquiry is not a trivial task. Here, we set out to explore the possible influence of separating the research question from the…

Reports on an ethnographic study of a molecular biology research laboratory called Sally's Lab. Portrays the social and cultural construction of a scientific community by studying the daily practices of the lab members and interpreting these observations. Concludes that there is not one set of experiences that pertain to all members within a given…

Reports on a study that assesses the effects of the application of visual information-processing theory to the design of a laboratory manual for chemistry. Focuses on the effects on content learning, practical skill mastery, and attitudes of university students enrolled in a general chemistry course. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Utilized an experimental design structure across 4 scientific contexts which tested 18 boys and 18 girls who were closely matched for ability levels and curriculum background. No gender differences were detected in the scientific contexts of observation, reporting, or planning skills, and there was no differential performance on the use of…

The impact of enhanced observation or enhanced prediction on scientific reasoning about heat energy and temperature problems was investigated. Instruction was successful in improving prediction and observation skills in the microcomputer-based laboratory environment. (CW)

Examples of scoring protocols, reliability data, and the relationship between components of a laboratory examination are reported. Differences between BSCS and non-BSCS biology students are examined. (AL)

Grade 8 students using the Introductory Physical Science course improved their scores on a test of science processes (observing, comparing, classifying, quantifying, etc.) after studying the first five chapters of the materials. Some evidence supporting a hierarchy of process skills is reported. (AL)

There were no significant differences in achievement between students using an earth science laboratory block with or without teacher direction. (AL)

Establishes the extent to which practical work in South African high schools varies with respect to factors such as gender of student, type of school, medium of instruction, and examination board. Investigates the relationship between experience of experimental work and pupil attainment as measured by matriculation grade. (Author/GA)

Reported the development and validation of an integrated model of performance on chemical concept-volumetric analysis. Model was tested on 265 chemistry students in eight schools.Results indicated that for subjects using algorithms without understanding, performance on volumetric analysis problems was not influenced by proportional reasoning…

Compares two grade 12 science classes, one receiving instruction using the Laboratory-Investigative Approach, and the other using the Lecture-Laboratory Approach, in terms of certain cognitive factors and associated attitudes. (GA)

This study investigates the proximal and distal images of the nature of science (NOS) that A-level students develop from their participation in chemistry laboratory work. We also explored the nature of the interactions among the students' proximal and distal images of the NOS and students' participation in laboratory work. Students' views of the…

The study investigated specific student behavior in introductory and advanced college laboratories in botany, chemistry, geology, physics, and zoology. Behaviors were observed, described, and classified with no effort made to induce change, detail underlying conditions, or identify correlates. (Author/RE)