ABSTRACT

This study aims to compare the scientific curiosity of secondary school students for various demographic variables, namely gender, class, type of institution, family structure, parental education, and parental occupation.  For this purpose, data were collected from 200 students in grades 8th and 9th in Chhattisgarh, India. A survey method was employed, and data were collected from a representative sample of students using a standardized scientific curiosity inventory. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Post-Hoc (Multiple Comparison) test. Hypotheses were tested at the α = 0.05 level of significance. The analysis revealed no significant differences in scientific curiosity based on gender, class, type of institution, and family structure. While parental education and parental occupation showed significant differences. Students with academically supportive backgrounds demonstrated higher levels of scientific curiosity. These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic factors on students' inclination towards scientific exploration and suggest the need for targeted educational strategies to promote curiosity-driven learning among diverse student groups.

Keywords: Scientific Curiosity, Secondary School Students, Demographic Variables.