Factor and Rasch Analysis on COVID-19 Genetics Literacy Assessment Instrument

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, various applications of genetics were used as a basis for studying the origin of the virus to diagnosing patients with this disease. Student literacy about COVID-19 from the genetic aspect will strengthen them in dealing with misinformation in a society that rejects the existence of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 genetics literacy instrument. The draft instrument consisting of 20 items was first distributed online to Biology Education students in Indonesia. The analysis was carried out after 400 respondents filled out the online form. Seven items were eliminated according to the results of CFA and EFA. There were 13 items comprising of three dimensions taken. The Rasch analysis shows that the instrument is reliable and has a separation index according to the recommendations. There was no misfit and its have good discriminating power. The three choices given in each item did not confuse the respondents. Therefore, the instrument was of good quality and could be used to evaluate respondents’ genetics literacy for future studies.