Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Validity and use of the What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire in university business statistics classrooms

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Learning Environments Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Considerable past classroom learning environment research has focused on the primary and secondary levels of education and the subject areas of science and mathematics. The current study is distinctive in its focus on university business statistics learning environments. For the first time, we validated and applied the widely-used What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaires among tertiary statistics students. With a sample of 375 students from 12 university statistics classes, we furnished evidence to support the WIHIC’s factor structure, internal consistency reliability, predictive validity (in terms of associations with two types of statistics anxiety) and discriminant validity (in terms of differentiating between three ethnic groups). Limitations, contributions and suggestions for future research are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Afari, E., Aldridge, J. M., Fraser, B. J., & Khine, M. S. (2013). Students’ perceptions of the learning environment and attitudes in game-based mathematics classrooms. Learning Environments Research, 16, 131–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldridge, J. M., & Fraser, B. J. (2008). Outcomes-focused learning environments: Determinants and effects (Advances in Learning Environments Research series). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldridge, J. M., Fraser, B. J., Bell, L., & Dorman, J. P. (2012). Using a new learning environment questionnaire for reflection in teacher action research. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 23, 259–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldridge, J. M., Fraser, B. J., & Huang, I. T.-C. (1999). Investigating classroom environments in Taiwan and Australia with multiple research methods. Journal of Educational Research, 93, 48–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldridge, J. M., Fraser, B. J., & Ntuli, S. (2009). Utilising learning environment assessments to improve teaching practices among in-service teachers undertaking a distance education programme. South African Journal of Education, 29, 147–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldridge, J. M., Laugksch, R. C., Seopa, M. A., & Fraser, B. J. (2006). Development and validation of an instrument to monitor the implementation of outcomes-based learning environments in science classrooms in South Africa. International Journal of Science Education, 28, 45–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, D., & Fraser, B. J. (2007). Parent and student perceptions of classroom learning environment and its association with student outcomes. Learning Environments Research, 10, 67–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, G., & Arsenault, N. (1998). Fundamentals of educational research. London: Falmer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alzubaidi, E., Aldridge, J. M., & Khine, M. S. (2016). Learning English as a second language at the university level in Jordan: Motivation, self-regulation and learning environment perceptions. Learning Environments Research, 19(1), 133–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baek, S. G., & Choi, H. J. (2002). The relationship between students’ perceptions of classroom environment and their academic achievement in Korea. Asia-Pacific Journal of Education, 3(1), 125–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ball, D. L. (1988). Knowledge and reasoning in mathematical pedagogy: Examining what prospective teachers bring to teacher education. Michigan State University.

  • Bell, L. M., & Aldridge, J. M. (2014). Student voice, teacher action research and classroom improvement (Advances in Learning Environments Research series). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bi, X. (2015). Associations between psychosocial aspects of English classroom environments and motivation types of Chinese tertiary-level English majors. Learning Environments Research, 18(1), 95–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolt, D. M., & Johnson, T. R. (2009). Addressing score bias and differential item functioning due to individual differences in response style. Applied Psychological Measurement, 33, 335–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourhis, R. Y., Roth, S., & MacQueen, G. (1989). Communication in the hospital setting: A survey of medical and everyday language use amongst patients, nurses and doctors. Social Science & Medicine, 28, 339–346.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradburn, N. M., Sudman, S., Blair, E., & Stocking, C. (1978). Question threat and response bias. Public Opinion Quarterly, 42, 221–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. (2003). Survey metrics ward off problems. Marketing News, 37, 17–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann, M. (1984). The priority of knowledge and understanding in teaching. In J. Raths & L. Katz (Eds.), Advances in teacher education 1 (pp. 29–48). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Charalampous, K., & Kokkinos, C. M. (2017). The Greek elementary “What Is Happening In this Class?” (G-EWIHIC): A three-phase multi-sample mixed methods study. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 52, 55–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chávez, R. (1984). The use of high-inference measures to study classroom climates: A review. Review of Educational Research, 54, 237–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chionh, Y. H., & Fraser, B. J. (2009). Classroom environment, achievement, attitudes and self-esteem in geography and mathematics in Singapore. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 18, 29–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohn, S. T., & Fraser, B. J. (2016). Effectiveness of student response systems in terms of learning environment, attitudes and achievement. Learning Environments Research, 19, 153–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deieso, D. (2016). Changes in learning environment and students' attitudes and anxiety associated with the transition from primary to secondary school mathematics. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Curtin University.

  • Deieso, D., & Fraser, B. J. (in press). Learning environment, attitudes and anxiety across the transition from primary to secondary school mathematics. Learning Environments Research.

  • den Brok, P. J., Levy, J., Rodriguez, R., & Wubbels, T. (2006). Perceptions of Asian-American and Hispanic-American teachers and their students on teacher interpersonal communication style. Teaching and Teacher Education, 18, 447–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorman, J. P. (2001). Associations between classroom environment and academic efficacy. Learning Environments Research, 4, 243–257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorman, J. P. (2003). Cross-national validation of the What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire using confirmatory factor analysis. Learning Environments Research, 6, 231–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorman, J. P. (2008). Use of multitrait–multimethod modelling to validate actual and preferred forms of the What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire. Learning Environments Research, 11, 179–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorman, J. P., & Fraser, B. J. (2009). Psychosocial environment and affective outcomes in technology-rich classrooms: Testing a causal model. Social Psychology of Education, 12, 77–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, D. L., & Fraser, B. J. (1983). A comparison of actual and preferred classroom environment as perceived by science teachers and students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 20, 55–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (1981). Using environmental assessments to make better classrooms. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 13(2), 131–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (1986). Classroom environment. London: Croom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (1994). Research on classroom and school climate. In D. Gabel (Ed.), Handbook of research on science teaching and learning (pp. 493–541). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (1998). Classroom environment instruments: Development, validity and applications. Learning environments research, 1, 7–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (2012). Classroom learning environments: Retrospect, context and prospect. In B. J. Fraser, K. G. Tobin, & C. J. McRobbie (Eds.), Second international handbook of science education (pp. 1191–1239). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (2018). Milestones in the evolution of learning environments research over the past three decades. In D. B. Zandvliet & B. J. Fraser (Eds.), Thirty years of learning environments research: Looking back and looking forward (pp. 1–19). Leiden, The Netherlands: Sense ׀ Brill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., & Aldridge, J. M. (2017). Improving classrooms through assessment of learning environments. In J. P. Bakken (Ed.), Classrooms Assessment practices for teachers and student improvement strategies 1 (pp. 91–107). New York: Nova.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., Aldridge, J. M., & Adolphe, F. S. G. (2010). A cross-national study of secondary science classroom environments in Australia and Indonesia. Research in Science Education, 40, 551–571.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., & Fisher, D. L. (1983). Use of actual and preferred classroom environment scales in person-environment fit research. Journal of Educational Psychology, 75, 303–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., Fisher, D. L., & McRobbie, C. J. (1996, April). Development, validation and use of personal and class forms of a new classroom environment instrument. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. New York.

  • Fraser, B. J., Giddings, G. J., & McRobbie, C. J. (1995). Evolution and validation of a personal form of an instrument for assessing science laboratory classroom environments. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 32(4), 399–422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., & Kahle, J. B. (2007). Classroom, home and peer influences on student outcomes in science and mathematics: An analysis of systemic reform data. International Journal of Science Education, 29, 1891–1909.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., & Lee, S. S. U. (2009). Science laboratory classroom environments in Korean high schools. Learning Environments Research, 12, 67–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., & Treagust, D. F. (1986). Validity and use of an instrument for assessing classroom psychosocial environment in higher education. Higher Education, 15, 37–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J., Treagust, D. F., & Dennis, N. C. (1986). Development of an instrument for assessing classroom psychosocial environment at universities and colleges. Studies in Higher Education, 11, 43–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giallousi, M., Gialamas, V., Spyrellis, N., & Pavlatou, E. A. (2010). Development, validation, and use of a Greek-language questionnaire for assessing learning environments in grade 10 chemistry classes. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 8, 761–782.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goh, S. F., & Fraser, B. J. (2016). Learning environment in Singapore primary school classrooms: The ideal and the real. In K. Wallace (Ed.), Learning environments: Emerging theories, applications and future directions (pp. 125–141). New York: Nova.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadlow, J., & Pitts, M. (1991). The understanding of common health terms by doctors, nurses and patients. Social Science & Medicine, 32, 193–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J. F., Tatham, R. L., Anderson, R. E., & Black, W. (1998). Multivariate data analysis (5th ed.). London: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, A. W., & Croft, D. B. (1963). Organizational climate of schools. Chicago, IL: Midwest Administration Center, University of Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanke, C. Y. C., & Fraser, B. J. (2013, April). Cross-national study of classroom environments, attitudes and academic self-efficacy in middle school mathematics. Paper presented at annual meeting of American Educational Research Association. San Francisco.

  • Hasan, A., & Fraser, B. J. (2015). Effectiveness of teaching strategies for engaging adults who experienced childhood difficulties in learning mathematics. Learning Environments Research, 18, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Helding, K. A., & Fraser, B. J. (2013). Effectiveness of National Board Certified (NBC) teachers in terms of classroom environment, attitudes and achievement among secondary science students. Learning Environments Research, 16, 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hui, C. H., & Triandis, H. C. (1989). Effects of culture and response format on extreme response style. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 20, 296–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, H. F. (1960). The application of electronic computers to factor analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20, 141–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khine, M. S., Fraser, B. J., Afari, E., Oo, Z., & Kyaw, T. T. (2018). Students’ perceptions of the learning environment in tertiary science classrooms in Myanmar. Learning Environments Research, 21(1), 135–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, H.-B., Fisher, D. L., & Fraser, B. J. (2000). Classroom environment and teacher interpersonal behaviour in secondary science classes in Korea. Evaluation and Research in Education, 14, 3–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koh, N. K., & Fraser, B. J. (2014). Learning environment associated with use of mixed mode delivery model among secondary business studies students in Singapore. Learning Environments Research, 17(2), 157–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koul, R. B., & Fisher, D. L. (2005). Cultural background and students’ perceptions of science classroom learning environment and teacher interpersonal behaviour in Jammu, India. Learning Environments Research, 8, 195–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewin, K. (1936). Principles of topological psychology. New York: McGraw.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lightburn, M. E., & Fraser, B. J. (2007). Classroom environment and student outcomes among students using anthropometry activities in high school science. Research in Science and Technological Education, 25, 153–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lim, C.-T. D., & Fraser, B. J. (2018). Learning environments research in English classrooms. Learning Environments Research, 21(3), 443–449.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, L., & Fraser, B. J. (2013). Development and validation of an English classroom learning environment inventory and its application in China. In M. S. Khine (Ed.), Application of structural equation modeling in educational research and practice (pp. 75–89). Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Martin-Dunlop, C., & Fraser, B. J. (2008). Learning environment and attitudes associated with an innovative science course designed for prospective elementary teachers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 6, 163–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Medley, D. M. (1979). The effectiveness of teachers. In P. Peterson & H. J. Walberg (Eds.), Research on teaching: Concepts, findings, and implications (pp. 11–27). Berkeley, CA: McCutchan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H. (1974). The Social Climate Scales: An overview. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H., & Trickett, E. J. (1974). Classroom Environment Scale manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, H. A. (1938). Explorations in personality. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newby, M., & Fisher, D. L. (1997). An instrument for assessing the learning environment of a computer laboratory. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 16, 179–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, T. H., Newby, M., & Skordi, P. G. (2015). Development and use of an instrument to measure students' perceptions of a business statistics learning environment in higher education. Learning Environments Research, 18, 409–424.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nisbett, R. E., & Wilson, T. D. (1977). The Halo Effect: Evidence for unconscious alteration of judgments. Journal of Feisonality and Social Psychology, 35, 250–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nix, R. K., Fraser, B. J., & Ledbetter, C. E. (2005). Evaluating an integrated science learning environment using the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES). Learning Environments Research, 8, 109–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C. (1978). Psychometric theory. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogbuehi, P. I., & Fraser, B. J. (2007). Learning environment, attitudes and conceptual development associated with innovative strategies in middle-school mathematics. Learning Environments Research, 10, 101–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pace, R. C., & Stern, G. G. (1958). An approach to the measurement of psychological characteristics of college environments. Journal of Educational Psychology, 49, 269–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Plake, B. S., & Parker, C. S. (1982). The development and validation of a revised version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 42, 551–557.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Post, T., Behr, M., Hamel, G., & Lesh, R. (1988). A potpourri from the Rational Number Project. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ray, N. M., & Tabor, S. W. (2003). Cyber surveys come of age. Marketing Research, 15, 32–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, F. C., & Suinn, R. M. (1972). The Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale: Psychometric data. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 19(6), 551–554.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stern, G. G. (1970). People in context: Measuring person–environment congruence in education and industry. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B. A., & Fraser, B. J. (2012). Learning environment, mathematics anxiety and sex differences. Curriculum and Teaching, 27, 5–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B. A., & Fraser, B. J. (2013). Relationships between learning environment and mathematics anxiety. Learning Environments Research, 16, 297–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, P. C., Fraser, B. J., & Fisher, D. L. (1997). Monitoring constructivist classroom learning environments. International Journal of Educational Research, 27, 293–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. G., & Fraser, B. J. (1998). Qualitative and quantitative landscapes of classroom learning environments. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education (pp. 623–640). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. (2006). The research methods knowledge base (3rd ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Atomic Dog.

    Google Scholar 

  • Velayutham, S., & Aldridge, J. M. (2013). Influence of psychosocial classroom environment on students’ motivation and self-regulation in science learning: A structural equation modeling approach. Research in Science Education, 43, 507–527.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walberg, H. J., & Anderson, G. J. (1968). Classroom climate and individual learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 59, 414–419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watkins, D., & Cheung, S. (1995). Culture, gender, and response bias: An analysis of responses to the Self-Description Questionnaire. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 26, 490–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, S. J., & Fraser, B. J. (2008). Learning environment, attitudes and achievement among middle-school science students using inquiry-based laboratory activities. Research in Science Education, 38, 321–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wubbels, Th, & Brekelmans, M. (2012). Teacher–students relationships in the classroom. In B. J. Fraser, K. G. Tobin, & C. J. McRobbie (Eds.), Second international handbook of science education (pp. 1241–1255). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zandvliet, D. B., & Fraser, B. J. (2004). Learning environments in information and communications technology classrooms. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 13, 97–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zandvliet, D. B., & Fraser, B. J. (2005). Physical and psychosocial environments associated with networked classrooms. Learning Environments Research, 8, 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zandvliet, D. B., Fraser, B. J., & (Eds.)., (2018). Thirty years of learning environments research: Looking back and looking forward (pp. 59–71). Leiden, The Netherlands: Sense ׀ Brill.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Zaragoza, J. M., & Fraser, B. J. (2017). Field-study classrooms as positive and enjoyable learning environments. Learning Environments Research, 20(1), 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Barry J. Fraser.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 7.

Table 7 Factor analysis results for WIHIC

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Skordi, P., Fraser, B.J. Validity and use of the What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire in university business statistics classrooms. Learning Environ Res 22, 275–295 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-018-09277-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-018-09277-4

Keywords

Navigation