ABSTRACT

The basic science knowledge and attitudes toward science have been compared for (1) adult free-choice learners in an astronomy online course or MOOC, (2) undergraduate non-science majors, and (3) professional scientists from graduate student to professor level. The adult MOOC learners have a higher level of science knowledge than the college students, as measured using an NSF instrument, and they display fewer science misconceptions and a deeper view of how science works. They also have more positive attitudes toward science and technology and lower levels of belief in pseudoscience and superstition. Compared to professional scientists at any level, both student groups showed a more limited and shallow view of how science works. These results inform efforts to help free choice learners engage in science so that they can meaningfully participate in the many societal and policy debates that hinge on science.

摘要

已经比较了 (1) 天文学在线课程或 MOOC 中的成人自由选择学习者，(2) 本科非科学专业，以及 (3) 从研究生到教授级别的专业科学家的基本科学知识和对科学的态度。使用 NSF 仪器衡量，成年 MOOC 学习者的科学知识水平高于大学生，他们表现出的科学误解更少，对科学如何运作有更深入的了解。他们对科学和技术的态度也更加积极，对伪科学和迷信的信仰程度较低。与任何级别的专业科学家相比，两个学生群体对科学的运作方式都表现出更有限和更肤浅的看法。