Predicting Undergraduate Students’ Beliefs About Science: An Exploratory Study Using the Thinking About Science Survey Instrument

• In Event: Poster Session 20
  In Poster Session: Exploring Science Education

Abstract

This study compared pre-service teachers, non-science majors, and science majors on beliefs about science as measured by the Thinking about Science Survey Instrument (TSSI). Results show that, in general, science majors show greater support for science compared to other undergraduates, whereas pre-service teachers and other non-science majors tend not to differ from one another. Religiosity was found to be a consistent predictor and may mediate the influence of perceived science knowledge, popular science reading, and social political orientations on beliefs about science.

Authors

• Craig O. Stewart, The University of Memphis

• Daniel L. Dickerson, Old Dominion University

• Stephanie J. Hathcock, Old Dominion University

• Jennifer L. Weston, The University of Memphis

• James Minogue, North Carolina State University