Identifying and Reconstructing Common Cold Misconceptions

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

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to 1) identify common cold misconceptions; 2) identify the most prevalent common cold misconceptions held by preservice teachers; and 3) construct a refutational text that promotes the adoption of scientifically appropriate common cold conceptions. Thirteen participants in Study 1 responded to interview questions on their conceptions of the common cold. In Study 2, 44 participants completed an assessment concerning the common cold. In Study 3, 86 participants completed the same assessment before and after reading a common cold refutational text. Misconceptions, like cold weather can trigger the common cold, were prevalent. In Study 3, participants demonstrated gains in scientifically appropriate common cold conceptions. Implications for teacher preparation programs, educators, and pedagogy are further discussed.

Authors

• Marcus Lee Johnson, University of Cincinnati

• Mishele Breen, University of Cincinnati