Examining Non-Science Majors' Knowledge of Scientific Practices in Evaluating Scientific Media Claims

Filiz Bezci; Semra Sungur

Makale detayları

Examining Non-Science Majors' Knowledge of Scientific Practices in Evaluating Scientific Media Claims

Yazarlar:

Filiz Bezci | Semra Sungur

Yayıncı:

Kafkas University

Ana Başlıklar:

Science Education | Science and Mathematics Education (Other)

Dergi:

e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.1-20

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

4/2025

Belge Dili:

İngilizce

Document ID (Org No.):

2001342483

pISSN:

2148-8940

Anahtar kelimeler:

Özet:

 This study examines the knowledge of scientific practices that non-science undergraduate students need to critically evaluate scientific claims in the media. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study gathered data through a self-report instrument involving 266 undergraduate students from non-science disciplines. A twelve-item, two-tier multiple-choice assessment was utilized, featuring questions from two research articles adapted from popular media. Findings reveal that non-science majors often struggle to understand the scientific practices necessary to evaluate scientific reports in mainstream media. Results also indicate that many participants fail to recognize the importance of controlled, randomized experimental designs in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, findings suggest that students do not fully grasp that hypotheses are supported by evidence rather than proven and that scientific claims must be based on substantial proof. The study further shows that many participants underestimate the importance of peer review in validating scientific claims. Finally, the analysis revealed no significant gender differences in students competencies related to critiquing these reports.

 This study examines the knowledge of scientific practices that non-science undergraduate students need to critically evaluate scientific claims in the media. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study gathered data through a self-report instrument involving 266 undergraduate students from non-science disciplines. A twelve-item, two-tier multiple-choice assessment was utilized, featuring questions from two research articles adapted from popular media. Findings reveal that non-science majors often struggle to understand the scientific practices necessary to evaluate scientific reports in mainstream media. Results also indicate that many participants fail to recognize the importance of controlled, randomized experimental designs in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, findings suggest that students do not fully grasp that hypotheses are supported by evidence rather than proven and that scientific claims must be based on substantial proof. The study further shows that many participants underestimate the importance of peer review in validating scientific claims. Finally, the analysis revealed no significant gender differences in students competencies related to critiquing these reports.

 This study examines the knowledge of scientific practices that non-science undergraduate students need to critically evaluate scientific claims in the media. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study gathered data through a self-report instrument involving 266 undergraduate students from non-science disciplines. A twelve-item, two-tier multiple-choice assessment was utilized, featuring questions from two research articles adapted from popular media. Findings reveal that non-science majors often struggle to understand the scientific practices necessary to evaluate scientific reports in mainstream media. Results also indicate that many participants fail to recognize the importance of controlled, randomized experimental designs in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, findings suggest that students do not fully grasp that hypotheses are supported by evidence rather than proven and that scientific claims must be based on substantial proof. The study further shows that many participants underestimate the importance of peer review in validating scientific claims. Finally, the analysis revealed no significant gender differences in students competencies related to critiquing these reports.

 This study examines the knowledge of scientific practices that non-science undergraduate students need to critically evaluate scientific claims in the media. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study gathered data through a self-report instrument involving 266 undergraduate students from non-science disciplines. A twelve-item, two-tier multiple-choice assessment was utilized, featuring questions from two research articles adapted from popular media. Findings reveal that non-science majors often struggle to understand the scientific practices necessary to evaluate scientific reports in mainstream media. Results also indicate that many participants fail to recognize the importance of controlled, randomized experimental designs in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, findings suggest that students do not fully grasp that hypotheses are supported by evidence rather than proven and that scientific claims must be based on substantial proof. The study further shows that many participants underestimate the importance of peer review in validating scientific claims. Finally, the analysis revealed no significant gender differences in students competencies related to critiquing these reports.

Makale detayları

Examining Non-Science Majors' Knowledge of Scientific Practices in Evaluating Scientific Media Claims

Yazarlar:

Filiz Bezci | Semra Sungur

Yayıncı:

Kafkas University

Ana Başlıklar:

Science Education | Science and Mathematics Education (Other)

Dergi:

e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.1-20

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

4/2025

Belge Dili:

İngilizce

Document ID (Org No.):

2001342483

pISSN:

2148-8940

Evaluating scientific claims

Non-science majors

Popular media

Gender

Sayı

Makale detayları

Examining Non-Science Majors' Knowledge of Scientific Practices in Evaluating Scientific Media Claims

Yazarlar: Filiz Bezci | Semra Sungur

Yayıncı: Kafkas University

Ana Başlıklar: Science Education | Science and Mathematics Education (Other)

Dergi: e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.1-20

Belge Tipi: Makale

Yayın Tarihi: 4/2025

Belge Dili: İngilizce

Document ID (Org No.): 2001342483

pISSN: 2148-8940

Evaluating scientific claims

Non-science majors

Popular media

Gender

Sayı

Yazarlar:

Filiz Bezci | Semra Sungur

Yayıncı:

Kafkas University

Ana Başlıklar:

Science Education | Science and Mathematics Education (Other)

Dergi:

e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.1-20

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

4/2025

Belge Dili:

İngilizce

Document ID (Org No.):

2001342483

pISSN:

2148-8940