Development and Use of a Writing Attitude Survey in Grades 4 to 8

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to develop and use a writing attitude survey for students in Grades 4 to 8. The instruments designed for use with older students are inappropriate for younger ones because they are long, complex, and take longer to complete. A 19-item survey for Grades 4 to 8 was constructed, based on responses of 398 students. The instrument was then used in an experiment to assess the effect of instructional treatment, grade, and participation on 398 students' attitudes toward writing. There were no significant main effects for treatment or for time of measurement. There were no significant interactions, but there was a significant main effect for grade. Follow-up of significant main effects using Scheffé tests indicated that 51 fourth graders had significantly more positive attitudes toward writing than 37 sixth graders.