Abstract

Preparing pre-service science teachers (PSSTs) with the scientific research skills (SRSs) is an ultimate aim of PSSTs' programs. This study aimed to explore PSSTs' understanding level of SRHs (SRHUL). To this end, an action research (AR) was adopted using a pre-post-test design. In doing so, a multiple choice test which consists of 15 items was developed and conducted on a random sample comprising 120 subjects. Results of the study revealed that participants showed insufficient performance on the test of understanding scientific research hypotheses (SRHUT) for both pre and post-test. Besides, results of t-test showed a significant difference between mean scores of pre-test and post-test. The difference was in favor of post-test. Also, results of one-way ANOVA revealed a non-significant difference between or within mean scores of compared groups. Based on the results of the study, some recommendations were made.

Key words: Pre-service science teachers, scientific research skills, action research.