A value-centered approach to science, technology and society (STS) education illuminates the need of reflexive and relational learning through communication and public engagement. Visualization is a key to represent and compare mental models such as assumptions, background theories and value systems that tacitly shape our own understanding,…

The comparability of seven sets of factor structure studies reported in previous research with the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was evaluated. The inventory's primary factors were reproduced in the studies, although the masculine scale was somewhat less invariant than was the feminine counterpart. (SLD)

The application and utility of confirmatory second-order factor analytic methods are discussed. Factor analysis is central to concerns regarding measurement validity. Confirmatory methods are especially useful because they explicitly consider measurement error influences and because the methods are inherently theory-driven and theory-oriented.…