ERIC Number: EJ1136328
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: N/A
Effects of Exposure to Pseudoscientific Television Programs upon Taiwanese Citizens' Pseudoscientific Beliefs
Tsai, Chun-Yen; Shein, Paichi Pat; Jack, Brady Michael; Wu, Kun-Chang; Chou, Ching-Yang; Wu, Yuh-Yih; Liu, Chia-Ju; Chiu, Houn-Lin; Hung, Jeng-Fung; Chao, David; Huang, Tai-Chu
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v2 n2 p175-194 2012
This study investigated the effects of exposure to pseudoscientific television (TV) programs upon Taiwanese citizens' pseudoscientific beliefs. The beliefs and practices of pseudoscience portrayed in the media may misguide the citizens in making life choices that may lead to negative consequences. Participants of this study included 2,024 individuals who were selected using probability proportional to size sampling method. Interviews were conducted and survey data were quantitatively analyzed by means of stepwise multiple regressions and reported with the use of cross tables. Results revealed exposure to pseudoscientific TV programs as a strong predictor of Taiwanese citizens' pseudoscientific beliefs and that younger citizens demonstrate more pseudoscientific beliefs and practices than older citizens. Researchers of this study proposed the need for making better use of mass media as a way to educate citizens about science and reduce pseudoscientific beliefs.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Television Viewing, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Literacy, Misconceptions, Mass Media Effects, Public Opinion, Beliefs, Scientific Attitudes, Attitude Measures, Likert Scales, Pilot Projects, Multiple Regression Analysis, Surveys, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A