Perceptions of Climate Change Plausibility through a Systems Thinking Lens: Insights from Non-Science Undergraduates

• In Event: Systems Thinking and Higher Education

Abstract

The study explores non-science undergraduates’ systems thinking competencies through a climate change scenario activity and examines how systems thinking competencies contribute to plausibility judgements. Using a qualitative design, we analyzed undergraduate students’ open-ended responses and rubric-based scores aligned with the systems thinking competencies. Data were collected from 100 students via a structured systems thinking tool and the updated Plausibility Perception Measure (PPM) scale. Descriptive statistics from the PPM supported interpretation. Findings show that components such as problem identification align with key plausibility dimensions (e.g., perceived risks), suggesting the importance of integrating systems thinking and plausibility to support conceptual change in climate education.

Authors

• Gizem Ozyazici, Syracuse University

• Melike Hanedar, University of Maryland

• Gaye D. Ceyhan, Bogazici University

• John W. Tillotson, Syracuse University