Dimensions of attitude towards higher mental function curricular objectives (HMCO): a partial order scalogram analysis

Using an extension of L. Guttman's ("The Basis for Scalogram Analysis" in Stouffer, S. A., et al, Measurement and Prediction, Vol. 4, Princeton: Princeton U Press, 1950) theory of scalogram analysis, a new technique, Partial Order Scalogram Analysis (POSA), is presented for measuring teachers' attitudes toward teaching higher mental function curricular objectives (HMCO) to disadvantaged learners. Data were analyzed from a 6-item scale attitude rated by 123 seventh-grade teachers in Israeli primary schools to evaluate an innovative science curriculum. Results of the multidimensional analysis reveal 2 facets of teachers' attitudes toward HMCO. Detailed descriptions of POSA & an auxiliary lattice space analysis method are included. 4 Tables, 3 Figures, 1 Exhibit, 9 References. M. Malas