Research-based School Modeling and Its Experimental Test through Structural Equation Modeling by Partial Least Squares at Schools in Mazandaran Province

To clarify the rather general and indefinite concept of research-based schools as the criterion variable, an attempt was made based on structural and functional definitions of research-based schools to provide a framework of a conceptual map, so that a multi-dimensional concept could be selected. It considered personal, interpersonal, and structural dimensions for measuring the variable. The research method was descriptive utilizing a survey. The sampling population covered all teachers in Mazandaran province. A convenience sampling was employed to collect data from 360 testee using a researcher-made questionnaire, which was based on qualitative studies and literature reviews. To determine the validity of the technique, its content and face validities were measured. Accordingly, the content validity was 0.73 based on the Lash content validity index (1999). The Cronbach's alpha test was used to measure the reliability of the test. The reliability levels calculated for the internal and external structure of the school were 0.92 and 0.90 respectively. Reducing variables was applied utilizing the exploratory factor analysis and statistical method for modeling structural equations by partial least squares. Based on the relationships among observed variables and unobserved variables, the influence of each variable on research-based schools, and the factor loadings and T-Value between the variables, the results indicated that problem-solving, curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, information literacy, cognitive skills and self-esteem were prioritized respectively. The results for the goodness of fit estimation regarding the scale of research-based school represented that the study enjoyed a construct validity.