Structural Equation Model of Students Attitudes and Evaluation of Teachers’ Performance in the Research Course

Abstract

This study investigated the causal relationship between Evaluation of Teachers by students (ETS) and the Attitudes towards Research (ATR). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was the research approach because the ATR factors and ETS were considered latent constructs. The participants were 208 graduating students from the University of Mindanao, Digos Campus who had recently undergone their Research Course. In data gathering, the Attitude towards Research Scale by Papanatasiou and the latest Evaluation of Teachers by Students (ETS) were utilized. Confirmatory factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation was used in the measurement model. This study explored four structural models. The hypothesized model A was a five-factor ATR and a three-factor ETS. Evaluation of this model was done using fit indices like CMIN/DF, CFI, TLI, GFI and RMSEA and revealed the inability of the model to fit the empirical data of this study. Three models were developed as guided by theory and parameter estimates. Model B suggested a five-factor ATR and a one-factor ETS. Model C represented a five-factor ATR with covariances and a one-dimensional ETS. Finally, Model D proposed a related two-factor ATR and a one dimensional ETS. Comparative evaluation of the models was carried out by looking at the model fit indices. It was found that model D best fits the data. This model suggests that students’ evaluation of their Research teachers is significantly determined by their attitudes towards the Usefulness of Research and its Difficulty. It is suggested that Research teachers address those issues during the courses on Research.