ERIC Number: EJ1024043
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9266
EISSN: N/A
Analysis of Students' Arguments on Evolutionary Theory
Basel, Nicolai; Harms, Ute; Prechtl, Helmut
Journal of Biological Education, v47 n4 p192-199 2013
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to reveal students' argumentation skills in the context of the topic of evolution. Transcripts from problem-centred interviews on secondary students' beliefs about evolutionary processes of adaptation were analysed using a content analysis approach. For this purpose two categorical systems were deductively developed: one addressing the complexity of students' arguments, the other focusing on students' use of argumentation schemes. Subsequently, the categorical systems were inductively elaborated upon the basis of the analysed material showing a satisfactory inter-rater reliability. Regarding the arguments' complexity, students produced mainly single claims or claims with a single justification consisting of either data or warrants. With regard to argumentation schemes students drew their arguments mainly using causal schemes, analogies, or illustrative examples. Results are discussed in light of possible implications for teaching evolutionary theory using classroom argumentation.
Descriptors: Persuasive Discourse, Evolution, Transcripts (Written Records), Content Analysis, Secondary School Students, Interviews, Beliefs, Thinking Skills, Rhetorical Invention, Scientific Concepts, Critical Thinking, Communication Skills, Qualitative Research, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Germany
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A