Establishing the validity and reliability of a modified tool for assessing innovative thinking of engineering students

Abstract

The goal of this study was to establish the validity and reliability of a self-report tool for assessing individual differences in innovative thinking, based on a modification of the ‘innovative behavior scale’. A five-stage study was conducted among engineering students worldwide, who enrolled in a massive open online course in Nanotechnology and Nanosensors. Content validity was established by a panel of experts in engineering education. Construct validity was established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, indicating a four-factor solution with 13 items loaded above critical level. Known-groups validity revealed differences among learners with distinct expertise. The scale’s stability across populations and over time was confirmed, providing there has been no intentional intervention. Finally, the scale’s concurrent validity was reinforced through data triangulation with actual practice - the fabrication of innovative nanosensors.

Keywords:

• Engineering education
• Higher education
• Individual differences
• Innovative thinking
• Reliability
• Validity

Funding

The Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology, and Space.