The Influence of Attitudes and Emotions in Learning From Multiple Texts

• In Event: 58.084 - Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: 58.084-4 - Poster Session 2: Motivational and Affective Processes

Abstract

We assessed the effects of reading multiple refutation texts about genetically modified foods (GMFs) on participants’ misconceptions and attitudes. University students (N=217) drawn from two North American universities first read a refutation text on GMFs and were then randomly assigned to receive additional information about advantages of GMFs, disadvantages of GMFs, or both. Results revealed that students reading about the advantages of GMFs had significantly better attitudes than students that read about the disadvantages. Results also suggest that emotions significantly predicted changes in attitudes. There were also significant knowledge gains overall. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed including the impact these findings may have on science education.

Authors

• Ian Thacker, University of Southern California

• Krista R. Muis, McGill University

• Robert William Danielson, University of Southern California

• Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California

• Reinhard Pekrun, University of Essex

• Philip H. Winne, Simon Fraser University

• Marianne Chevrier, McGill University