SCIENCE LABORATORY OPERATIONALIZATION AND STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCIENCE: A STUDY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF MBARARA CITY, UGANDA

Abstract

This article aims to examine the relation between Science Laboratory Operationalization and Academic attitude towards science subjects among secondary school students. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used for the study, covering 36 secondary schools (both private and government) with 373 students, and 30 headteachers who participated in key informant interviews. Results showed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.195, p < 0.001) between lab experience and science attitudes. Regression indicated that lab quality predicts attitude, but explains only 3.8%. Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative results. The study concludes that key factors influencing science choice included aspirations, capacity, background, school issues, and policies. Science laboratory operationalization impacts attitude, recommending investment in maintenance, training, and lab use. Future research should explore other districts, include case studies, and conduct longitudinal studies.