Objective: This study validates a curriculum model for research ethics in secondary school student research.
Method: This applied research was conducted in two stages. In the qualitative stage, the curriculum model for research ethics was developed by Hematyar and colleagues (2024) using a research synthesis approach. The quantitative stage (the focus of this study) involved validating the designed model. The statistical population included university curriculum studies experts and teachers of secondary schools in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. A purposeful sample of 200 participants (53 curriculum specialists and 147 secondary school teachers) was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the qualitative findings. After confirming content validity and determining construct validity, the reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.822) was calculated. Data was analyzed using Smart PLS software's structural equation modeling (SEM).
Results:  The measurement model was found acceptable, demonstrating convergent validity (AVE > 0.5), composite reliability (CR > 0.7), and an R² value of 0.542. Ultimately, the overall model fit was confirmed (GOF = 0.559). Based on these goodness-of-fit indices, the curriculum model for the research ethics possesses sufficient validity.
Conclusion: The appropriate application of this curriculum model in school education can provide a suitable foundation for cultivating and developing research ethics among students engaging in research activities.