Comprehensive Likert Scale Survey Instruments for STEM Education Evaluation
Evaluating the effectiveness of STEM education programs requires reliable, validated measurement instruments. Likert scale surveys provide researchers and evaluators with standardized tools to assess critical dimensions of student development, self-efficacy, motivation, and career readiness. This comprehensive collection represents widely-used instruments across key domains in STEM education and workforce development.
Self-Efficacy & Confidence
  • Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy
  • Engineering Self-Efficacy
  • STEM Self-Efficacy
  • Mathematics Self-Efficacy
  • Confidence in 21st Century Skills
  • Longitudinal Assessment of Engineering Efficacy
Motivation & Persistence
  • Science Motivation Questionnaire
  • Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire
  • Intent to Persist in STEM
  • STEM Career Interest Scale
  • Motivation to Volunteer Scale
Belonging & Social Factors
  • Sense of Belonging
  • Academic Self-Concept
  • Perceptions of More Positive Others
  • Mentor Effectiveness
  • Community Service Self-Efficacy Scale
Skills & Career Readiness
  • Workforce Preparedness Perception Scale
  • Tech Literacy Assessment
  • Critical Thinking Skills Assessment
  • Confidence in Machine Learning
  • Perceived Value of Advanced Manufacturing Scale
Cognitive & Psychological Assessments
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
These instruments measure students' perceived competence and actual performance in analytical reasoning and problem-solving contexts. The Perceptions of Problem Solving Inventory assesses how individuals view their problem-solving abilities, while the Critical Thinking Skills Assessment evaluates higher-order cognitive processes essential for STEM success.
Mindset & Adaptability
Understanding students' beliefs about intelligence and their readiness for change is crucial for program design. The Implicit Theories of Intelligence scale examines whether students hold fixed or growth mindsets, while the Innovativeness and Change Readiness Scale measures openness to new approaches and technological advancement.
Mathematics-Specific Instruments
Mathematics Anxiety
Assesses emotional responses and physiological symptoms associated with mathematical tasks. This validated instrument helps identify students who may require additional support or intervention strategies to overcome debilitating anxiety that interferes with mathematical performance and STEM persistence.
Mathematics Self-Efficacy
Measures students' beliefs in their capability to successfully perform mathematical tasks and achieve desired outcomes. Strong mathematical self-efficacy correlates with higher achievement, greater persistence through challenges, and increased likelihood of pursuing STEM pathways.
Career Development & Professional Identity
Career-focused instruments help evaluators understand how educational experiences shape students' professional trajectories and workplace readiness. These scales assess multiple dimensions of career preparation:
01
Career Decision-Making Competence
Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy measures confidence in making informed career choices
02
Professional Knowledge & Identity
Knowledge of a STEM Professional assesses understanding of career pathways and professional expectations
03
Domain-Specific Confidence
Confidence in Career Development and specialized areas like Machine Learning and Advanced Manufacturing
04
Workplace Readiness
Workforce Preparedness Perception Scale evaluates readiness for professional environments and responsibilities
Implementation Considerations for Researchers
Survey Selection
Choose instruments aligned with specific program outcomes and evaluation questions. Consider psychometric properties, validation studies, and appropriateness for your target population. Multiple instruments may be needed to capture the full range of program impacts.
Administration Timing
Implement pre-post designs to measure change over time. Consider longitudinal approaches for programs spanning multiple years. Balance comprehensive assessment with participant burden to maintain response rates and data quality.
Data Analysis
Utilize appropriate statistical methods for Likert scale data. Consider both individual item analysis and composite scale scores. Account for demographic variables and control factors in your analytical approach to strengthen causal inferences.

Accessing Survey Instruments
Many of these validated instruments are available through academic literature, institutional repositories, or by contacting original authors. Always review licensing requirements, proper citation protocols, and any usage restrictions before implementing surveys in your evaluation projects.
ILC. "Evaluation Measures for Funded Projects." Last modified November 08, 2025. http://www.ilearningcenter.education
© 2025 ilearningcenter.education. All rights reserved.