TABLE 3.
Factor loadings, item means, and SDs of STEP-U items assessing value of retention and transfer skills
| Transfer | Retention | Mean rating | SD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work in groups | 0.31 | 0.19 | 3.22 | 1.15 |
| Scientific writing | 0.45 | 0.29 | 3.84 | 0.98 |
| Memorize some basic facts | −0.08 | 0.83 | 3.74 | 1.02 |
| Acquire major scientific concepts | 0.57 | 0.23 | 4.50 | 0.68 |
| Learn basic sets of laboratory skills | 0.57 | 0.20 | 4.18 | 0.84 |
| Understand the dynamic nature of science | 0.73 | 0.08 | 4.27 | 0.80 |
| Understand how science applies to everyday life | 0.74 | −0.11 | 4.33 | 0.81 |
| Remember formulas, structures, and procedures | −0.07 | 0.85 | 3.34 | 1.07 |
| Apply quantitative reasoning | 0.56 | 0.29 | 4.05 | 0.82 |
| Problem solving | 0.76 | −0.05 | 4.43 | 0.73 |
| Develop information literacy | 0.74 | 0.04 | 4.22 | 0.83 |
| Develop creativity and innovation | 0.80 | −0.20 | 4.05 | 0.95 |
| Develop understanding of interdisciplinary nature of science | 0.82 | −0.14 | 4.19 | 0.86 |
| Decision making based on evidence | 0.81 | −0.11 | 4.34 | 0.77 |
Bolded values show the factor loadings of items retained as indicators of each factor.