The Effects of Internet-Based Media on Students' Misconceptions Regarding Acid Rain

• In Event: 45.066 - Climate Change and Critical Science Agency: Is "Knowing" Enough?

Abstract

The current study was designed to realize two aims. The first aim is identifying common misconceptions about acid rain amongst students at two different educational levels—high school and university. The second aim is determining whether Internet-Based Media (IBM) has impacts on student misconceptions regarding acid rain. To achieve the first aim, a quantitative research approach was performed via the descriptive review method. Relevant misconceptions among participants (N = 458) were defined via a questionnaire. The results showed that both groups have similar misconceptions. To achieve the second aim, a qualitative research approach was performed through the document analysis method—websites. The findings showed that IBM is full of misconceptions about acid rain, and these findings parallel students’ misconceptions.

Authors

• Nahide Gungordu, The University of Alabama

• Ayse Yalcin-Celik, Gazi University

• Ziya Kilic, Gazi University