Complex Dynamic Interrelationships
We recognize that studying attitudes is not simple. Complex, dynamic, developmental relationships
exist between variables such as positive affect toward subject matter domains, perceived
competence in particular domains, subject matter course selection, and career choice.
Students’ prior-acquired attitudes, beliefs, and values, combined with parental and social (peers
and other significant adults) demands, students’ own abilities and achievements, opportunities
afforded by economic status, and locale, and other exogenous variables interact with contextual
factors to influence students’ behaviors and choices at any given point in time. These variables
interact over developmental time. Parental values and behaviors influence children, but
the child’s temperament and pattern of abilities also influence parents’ behaviors toward the
child (Scarr, 1996). Peterson and Carlson (1979) in their summary of research on science learning
reported a substantial causal link between achievement and attitude. In contrast, Schibeci
and Riley (1986) found evidence of a causal link from attitude to behavior. Disentangling such
complex relationships will require much research. The present study represents a start on this
program of research. It seeks to provide a descriptive overview of the development of students’
and parents’ attitudes and beliefs about science and other subject matters during the elementary
school years.