SRBA: Student Research Beliefs and Attitudes

20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy. ≈ 5 min to complete. Free with attribution.

academic 20 items ≈ 5 min Updated 2026-05-06

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What is SRBA? SRBA (Student Research Beliefs and Attitudes) is a validated instrument used to assess 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy.. It is used in 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy.. It comprises 20 items. Administration takes about 5 min.

What is SRBA?

SRBA (Student Research Beliefs and Attitudes) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy.. It is most often used for 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy.. The instrument contains 20 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 5 min.

Source / attribution: Free to use with citation

Clinical context: when SRBA is used

20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy. SRBA is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, SRBA is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score SRBA

Answer all 20 items below to see your SRBA score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (1–5). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How SRBA is scored

Sum all 20 items scored 1-5. Total range 20-100. Higher scores = more positive research attitudes.

Scoring notes: Sum all 20 items scored 1-5. Total range 20-100. Higher scores = more positive research attitudes.

SRBA score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

Score rangeBandInterpretation
20–50Negative attitudesResearch skills training
51–75Neutral attitudesSupportive training
76–100Positive attitudesAdvanced opportunities

How to score SRBA: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Read each question and choose the response that best fits. Each response has a number next to it — that number is the item's score. The example below uses illustrative answers.

#ItemExample responseScore
1I feel mentally exhausted from my studiesNeutral3
2I find it difficult to relax after studyingNeutral3
3Studying drains my energyNeutral3
4I feel emotionally worn out by my courseworkNeutral3
5Even on study breaks, I feel tiredNeutral3
6I have lost enthusiasm for my studiesNeutral3
7I feel less engaged with my course material than beforeNeutral3
8I have become more cynical about whether studying contributes to anythingNeutral3
9I have lost interest in topics that used to motivate meNeutral3
10I doubt the meaning of my academic workNeutral3
11I have trouble concentrating during study sessionsNeutral3
12I forget things I learned recentlyNeutral3
13Following lectures or readings takes more effort than it used toNeutral3
14I feel slower at academic tasks I used to do quicklyNeutral3
15I have difficulty thinking clearly while studyingNeutral3
16I am irritable with classmates or instructorsAgree4
17I have less patience with study group membersNeutral3
18Small academic setbacks upset me more than they shouldAgree4
19I feel that studying is becoming a burdenNeutral3
20I feel that I am no longer growing through my studiesAgree4

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add up all the item scores you noted in Step 1.

3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + … (items 9–20 sum to 39) = 63

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 63 falls between 51 and 75Neutral attitudes

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Neutral attitudes. Supportive training

A score is one input alongside history and examination. SRBA supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score SRBA with your own answers above →

SRBA psychometric properties

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

How SRBA compares to other academic scales

If SRBA doesn't fit your context, related instruments in academic include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
SUS30-item measure of stressful life events specific to college and university students.10≈ 5 min
PHQ-9Severity of depression9≈ 3 minutes
GAD-7Severity of generalized anxiety7≈ 2 minutes
AUDIT10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence.10≈ 3 min
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3
MELD-Na3-month mortality in advanced liver disease; transplant prioritization5

Frequently asked questions about SRBA

What does SRBA measure?

SRBA (Student Research Beliefs and Attitudes) is a validated instrument that assesses 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy.. Its primary clinical use is 20-item measure of student attitudes toward research and research self-efficacy..

How long does SRBA take to complete?

SRBA typically takes ≈ 5 min to administer. Time can vary slightly depending on whether it is self-administered or clinician-led.

How many items are on SRBA?

SRBA contains 20 items. Items are summed to produce a total score.

What is a high SRBA score?

Scores of 76–100 fall in the "Positive attitudes" band. Advanced opportunities

What is a low SRBA score?

Scores of 20–50 fall in the "Negative attitudes" band. Research skills training

How reliable is SRBA?

SRBA has reported Cronbach's α of 0.82 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.75. Used in health sciences education research.

Is SRBA free to use?

SRBA is free to use with attribution. Free to use with citation

What is the source paper for SRBA?

Forester, M., Kahn, J. H., & Hesson-McInnis, M. S. (2004). Factor structures of three measures of research self-efficacy. Journal of Career Assessment, 12(1), 3-16.

Can SRBA replace clinical judgment?

No. SRBA is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

SRBA is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: