Research Article

Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels

Number: 4 August 9, 2026
TR EN

Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of science literacy achievement among Turkish students across the Programme for International Student Assessment 2003-2018 cycles. The research investigates which student- and school-level variables contribute to science literacy performance and whether these relationships endure successive PISA cycles. Method: A relational design was adopted to assess how student- and school-based predictors are linked to science literacy, using analytical procedures grounded in multilevel and multivariate modeling. Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling was employed, with plausible values and sampling weights taken into account. Findings: The findings reveal differences in science literacy scores among schools across all PISA cycles. Predictors of science literacy varied by assessment year: In 2003, parental occupational status at the student level and the student–teacher ratio at the school level were the strongest variables. In 2006, parental occupational status and home possessions at the student level, and school location at the school level were found to be significant. In 2009, home resources at the student level and both school region and the student–teacher ratio at the school level were influential. In 2012, program type at the student level and the student–teacher ratio at the school level stood out. In 2015, significant predictors included parental occupational status for students and school region as well as school size for schools. In 2018, student-level parental occupational status and school region at the school level remained the key determinants. Conclusion: This research is significant as it covers six PISA cycles, tracks changes in science literacy, and identifies influential factors.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Education: International Examinations

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 9, 2026

Submission Date

August 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 26, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 4

APA
Acar, B., & Gelbal, S. (2026). Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 4, 298-322. https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW
AMA
1.Acar B, Gelbal S. Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels. BUEFAD. 2026;(4):298-322. https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW
Chicago
Acar, Bilge, and Selahattin Gelbal. 2026. “Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, nos. 4: 298-322. https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW.
EndNote
Acar B, Gelbal S (August 1, 2026) Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 4 298–322.
IEEE
[1]B. Acar and S. Gelbal, “Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels”, BUEFAD, no. 4, pp. 298–322, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW
ISNAD
Acar, Bilge - Gelbal, Selahattin. “Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education. 4 (August 1, 2026): 298-322. https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW.
JAMA
1.Acar B, Gelbal S. Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels. BUEFAD. 2026;:298–322.
MLA
Acar, Bilge, and Selahattin Gelbal. “Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, no. 4, Aug. 2026, pp. 298-22, https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW.
Vancouver
1.Bilge Acar, Selahattin Gelbal. Investigatıon of the Variables Affecting Science Literacy in PISA 2003-2018 Applıcations at School and Student Levels. BUEFAD [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;(4):298-322. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA72SW58YW

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Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education