ERIC Number: EJ682043
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Oct-29
Pages: 13
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Socio-Scientific Controversies and Students' Conceptions about Scientists
Reis, Pedro; Galvao, Cecilia
International Journal of Science Education, v26 n13 p1621-1633 Oct 2004
This article discusses the results of a mainly qualitative study into possible impacts of recent controversial socio-scientific issues on a group of Portuguese secondary school students regarding their conceptions about scientists. The 86 participants: (1) answered a questionnaire with open-ended questions; and (2) wrote a science fiction story involving a group of scientists working on a particular situation of her/his choice. Next, semi-structured interviews were carried out to clarify and discuss the ideas embodied in the stories and mentioned in the questionnaire. All data underwent a process of content analysis. The socio-scientific controversies recently discussed, and the way science and scientists are depicted in the media, seem to have produced some impact on students' conceptions about scientists. Based on the results obtained, some remarks and educational implications are discussed.
Descriptors: Secondary Education, High School Students, Student Attitudes, Scientists, Foreign Countries, Science Fiction, Mass Media Effects, Conflict, Social Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A