Using a Reconciliation Module Leads to Large Gains in Evolution Acceptance
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| Title: | Using a Reconciliation Module Leads to Large Gains in Evolution Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Lindsay, John, Arok, Adhieu, Bybee, Seth M., Cho, Walter, Cordero, April Maskiewicz, Ferguson, Daniel G., Galante, Leontine L., Gill, Richard, Mann, Mark, Peck, Steven L., Shively, Cassidy L., Stark, Michael R., Stowers, Joshua A., Tenneson, Michael, Tolman, Ethan R., Wayment, Thomas, Jensen, Jamie L. |
| Source: | CBE - Life Sciences Education. Dec 2019 18(4). |
| Availability: | American Society for Cell Biology. 8120 Woodmont Avenue Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814-2762. Tel: 301-347-9300; Fax: 301-347-9310; e-mail: ascbinfo@ascb.org; Website: http://www.ascb.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2019 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Church Related Colleges, Religious Factors, Beliefs, Evolution, Adoption (Ideas), Introductory Courses, Biology, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Science Education, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Essays, Scientific Principles, Biblical Literature, Creationism |
| DOI: | 10.1187/cbe.19-04-0080 |
| ISSN: | 1931-7913 |
| Abstract: | Too many students reject the theory of evolution because they view it as incompatible with their religious beliefs. Some have argued that abandoning religious belief is the only way to help religious individuals accept evolution. Conversely, our data support that highlighting faith/evolution compatibility is an effective means to increase student acceptance. We surveyed students enrolled in entry-level biology courses at four religiously affiliated institutions. At each university, teachers gave students a presentation that demonstrated potential compatibility between evolution and faith within the teachings of each university's respective religious affiliation. Students were asked to evaluate their own beliefs about evolution both before and after this instruction. After instruction at each university, students showed significant gains in evolution acceptance without abandoning their religious beliefs. These results demonstrate that giving religious students the opportunity to reconcile their religious beliefs with the theory of evolution under the influence of intentional instruction on the compatibility of belief and evolution can lead to increased evolution acceptance among religious students. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2019 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1234386 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Too many students reject the theory of evolution because they view it as incompatible with their religious beliefs. Some have argued that abandoning religious belief is the only way to help religious individuals accept evolution. Conversely, our data support that highlighting faith/evolution compatibility is an effective means to increase student acceptance. We surveyed students enrolled in entry-level biology courses at four religiously affiliated institutions. At each university, teachers gave students a presentation that demonstrated potential compatibility between evolution and faith within the teachings of each university's respective religious affiliation. Students were asked to evaluate their own beliefs about evolution both before and after this instruction. After instruction at each university, students showed significant gains in evolution acceptance without abandoning their religious beliefs. These results demonstrate that giving religious students the opportunity to reconcile their religious beliefs with the theory of evolution under the influence of intentional instruction on the compatibility of belief and evolution can lead to increased evolution acceptance among religious students. |
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| ISSN: | 1931-7913 |
| DOI: | 10.1187/cbe.19-04-0080 |
