Development of chemistry attitudes and experiences questionnaire (CAEQ)

Abstract In this article we describe the development of the Chemistry Attitudes and Experiences Questionnaire (CAEQ) that measures first‐year university chemistry students' attitude toward chemistry, chemistry self‐efficacy, and learning experiences. The instrument was developed as part of a larger study and sought to fulfill a need for an instrument to investigate factors that influence student enrollment choice. We set out to design the instrument in a manner that would maximize construct validity. The CAEQ was piloted with a cohort of science and technology students ( n = 129) at the end of their first year. Based on statistical analysis the instrument was modified and subsequently administered on two occasions at two tertiary institutions ( n = 669). Statistical data along with additional data gathered from interviews suggest that the CAEQ possesses good construct validity and will prove a useful tool for tertiary level educators who wish to gain an understanding of factors that influence student choice of chemistry enrolment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 40: 649–668, 2003