Understanding evolutionary theory : The role of epistemological development and beliefs
Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary Works (RGC: 12, 32, 41, 45) › 12_Chapter in an edited book (Author) › Not applicable › peer-review
Author(s)
Detail(s)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Epistemology and Science Education |
| Subtitle of host publication | Understanding the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design Controversy |
| Editors | Roger S. Taylor , Michel Ferrari |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Pages | 95-110 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-203-83963-8 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-415-96379-4 , 978-0-415-96380-0 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Link(s)
Abstract
There are likely many explanations for the difficulty students have in comprehending and accepting evolutionary theory. This chapter addresses a set of reasons that we believe need further research and more attention by educators, particularly at the college level. We focus on what psychologists have termed “personal epistemology” (Hofer & Pintrich, 1997, 2002), individual conceptions of knowledge and knowing. In this chapter, we provide a conceptual overview of personal epistemology and examples of empirical evidence from our research on how students’ beliefs about knowledge and knowing are related to their comprehension and acceptance of the theory of evolution. Our goal is to contribute to building conceptual models of students’ grasp of this important issue so that our educational systems may be more effective in teaching scientific literacy.
Citation Format(s)
Understanding evolutionary theory : The role of epistemological development and beliefs. / Hofer, Barbara K.; Lam, Chak Fu; Delisi, Alex.
Epistemology and Science Education: Understanding the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design Controversy. ed. / Roger S. Taylor ; Michel Ferrari . Routledge, 2012. p. 95-110.Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary Works (RGC: 12, 32, 41, 45) › 12_Chapter in an edited book (Author) › Not applicable › peer-review
