Investigating Relationship(s) Between Epistemological Beliefs, Argument Quality and Informal Reasoning in the Context of SSI

Uygun C. B., Yılmaz Tüzün Ö.

National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Annual International Conference, Vancouver, Canada, 27 - 30 March 2022, pp.282

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Vancouver
  • Country: Canada
  • Page Numbers: pp.282
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the relationship between middle school students’ epistemological beliefs, argument quality, and informal reasoning across three different SSI, namely, space explorations (SPE), genetically modified organisms (GMO) and nuclear power plants (NPP). Correlational design was adopted. Total of 101 students (39 female, 62 male) were constituted the participants. Written arguments were coded based on the Lakatos’ Scientific Research Programmes and SEE-SEP Model. It was found that students displayed the most sophisticated epistemological beliefs on justification. It was found that the participants had the highest total score on SPE, and mostly reported that they are sure of their decisions, however they generated less than one PH and NH for each SSI. Participants mostly used value regardless of the SSI topic; the arguments were mostly from the subject area of science. Correlation analysis revealed that source/certainty was positively correlated with PH and NH on SPE; NH on NPP topic. Development was positively correlated with NH on NPP. Justification was positively correlated with PH and NH; and the total score on SPE. Total codes used while generating counter-arguments on NPP was positively correlated with both source/certainty and development. Justification was positively correlated with total codes used while generating counter-arguments on SPE.