Scientific reasoning ability does not predict scientific views on evolution among religious individuals

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Seth M. Bybee¹  Jamie L. Jensen¹  Richard A. Gill¹  Katie F. Manwaring¹  Randall S. Davies²  Richard R. Sudweeks² 

[1] Department of Biology, 4102 LSB, Brigham Young University;Department of Instructional Psychology & Technology, 150 MCKB, Brigham Young University;

关键词: Macroevolution;    Science education;    Scientific reasoning;    Religiosity;    Creationism;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12052-018-0076-8

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Acceptance of evolutionary theory varies widely and is often associated with religious background. Some have suggested there exists an additional relationship between scientific reasoning ability and the acceptance of evolutionary theory. In this study, we used structural equation modeling to test whether scientific reasoning ability predicts religiosity, acceptance of creationist views, or acceptance of evolution. We administered internet-based surveys to 724 individuals nationwide who self-describe as being religious and built a structural-equation model to test predictive abilities. Results We found that while religiosity positively predicts the acceptance of creationist views and negatively predicts the acceptance of evolution, scientific reasoning ability does not predict religiosity, acceptance of creationist views, or acceptance of evolutionary theory. Conclusions With a lack of any relationship between scientific reasoning ability and acceptance, an approach to evolution education that focuses on appealing to scientific reasoning may prove fruitless in changing student attitudes toward evolution; alternative teaching approaches regarding evolution are warranted.

【 授权许可】

Unknown