The validation of questionnaire data on interest in animals and plants with log files

The study addresses whether subjective interest in animals and plants measured by questionnaires can be validated by objective log file data on the usage of a biodiversity information system. Correspondences between these two measurement procedures would indicate the external validity of the frequently applied procedure of measuring interest by questionnaires. N = 312 students between 10 and 18 years (grade 5 to 12) completed interest questionnaires in a natural history museum and freely explored a computer program that contains information on various groups of organisms. Students' interactions with the information system were recorded by log files. The questionnaire data showed a decline of interest in organisms with increasing grade, thereby confirming a well-known pattern from previous studies. Furthermore, the questionnaire data correspond to the data on the usage of the information system. This finding suggests that measuring interest by questionnaires is an externally valid procedure.