Effect of Laboratory Work on the Development of Scientific Attitude among Biology Students

Shalini Negi

Abstract: Science education extends beyond the transmission and acquisition of scientific facts and concepts. One of its fundamental purposes is to develop in learners the intellectual dispositions and habits of mind required to approach problems scientifically. Scientific attitude, reflected through curiosity, objectivity, critical thinking, open-mindedness, logical reasoning, intellectual honesty, scientific inquiry, and evidence-based decision-making, is therefore an important outcome of meaningful science education. Laboratory work provides a distinctive learning environment in which students can encounter scientific phenomena directly through observation, experimentation, measurement, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication. The present study investigated the effect of laboratory work on the development of scientific attitude among Biology students. A pre-test?post-test experimental approach was adopted. The sample consisted of 50 secondary-level Biology students selected through stratified sampling, comprising 20 students from CBSE schools, 15 from ICSE/CISCE schools, and 15 from Government schools. A researcher-developed Scientific Attitude Scale consisting of 40 items and a Laboratory Engagement Checklist were used for data collection. The Scientific Attitude Scale covered eight dimensions: curiosity, objectivity, critical thinking, open-mindedness, logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, intellectual honesty, and evidence-based decision-making. The laboratory intervention included specimen observation, microscope handling, temporary slide preparation, osmosis and transpiration investigations, photosynthesis and respiration experiments, enzyme investigations, classification activities, data interpretation, group investigations, inquiry-oriented practical exercises, and scientific laboratory report preparation. The illustrative dataset reported in the dissertation showed an increase in the mean scientific attitude score from 120.46 in the pre-test to 150.72 in the post-test, representing a mean gain of 30.26 points. Improvement was reported across all eight dimensions of scientific attitude, with scientific inquiry showing the highest illustrative gain. A positive association between laboratory engagement and scientific attitude was also reported, with an illustrative Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.63. The findings suggest that laboratory work can provide a meaningful context for developing scientific dispositions when practical activities are structured around questioning, investigation, evidence, interpretation, reflection, and scientific communication rather than being restricted to predetermined procedures. The study emphasizes the need to reposition Biology laboratories as environments for scientific inquiry and intellectual development.

Keywords: Biology Education, Laboratory Work, Scientific Attitude, Inquiry-Based Learning, Practical Work, Scientific Inquiry, Secondary Students, Laboratory Engagement

How to Cite?: Shalini Negi, "Effect of Laboratory Work on the Development of Scientific Attitude among Biology Students", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 727-734, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26811191522, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26811191522

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