Work

The Importance of Understanding the Nature of Science for Accepting Evolution

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Many students reject evolutionary theory, whether or not they adequately understand basic evolutionary concepts. We explore the hypothesis that accepting evolution is related to understanding the nature of science. In particular, students may be more likely to accept evolution if they understand that a scientific theory is provisional but reliable, that scientists employ diverse methods for testing scientific claims, and that relating data to theory can require inference and interpretation. In a study with university undergraduates, we find that accepting evolution is significantly correlated with understanding the nature of science, even when controlling for the effects of general interest in science and past science education. These results highlight the importance of understanding the nature of science for accepting evolution. We conclude with a discussion of key characteristics of science that challenge a simple portrayal of the scientific method and that we believe should be emphasized in classrooms.

Source: Evolution Education and Outreach

DOI: 10.1007/s12052-008-0061-8

Authors: Tania Lombrozo, Anastasia Thanukos, Michael Weisberg

Institutions: University of California, Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Science Education

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,390