Research Article Cross-Cultural Epistemological Orientations to Socioscientific Issues

摘要: The purpose of this investigation was to examine, from a cross-cultural perspective, stu- dents' epistemological patterns reasoning about socioscientific issues (SSI), and identify potential interactions cultural scientific identity. Mediating factors associated with students' argumentation discourse SSI, as well the public's understanding science, has been identified an important area in field science education. This mixed-methods design included over 300 students Jamaica, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, United States. Students responded instruments designed assess their conceptualizations justifications related distributive justice, allocation scarce medical resources, beliefs five dimensions knowledge. Four iterations coding scheme produced 97% inter-rater agreement for four independent coders. Results indicate there is consistent trend toward congruity across cultures within inductively derived themes of: (1) Fairness; (2) Pragmatism; (3) Emotive Reasoning; (4) Utility; (5) Theological Issues. Moreover, were no discernable differences terms how these countries presented on sub-categories each major categories. It appears that displayed high degree congruence respect they frame SSI beliefs. There statistically significant regarding ability raise scientifically relevant questions among countries. Commonalities distinguishing characteristics orientations are compared contrasted connections model socioscien- tific implications research pedagogy discussed. 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 251-283, Keywords: issues; epistemology; ethics; literacy; research; reasoning; sociocultural We derive our fundamental meaning Greek term episteme¯, which expresses individuals construe justify own personal knowledge world. In context, refers issue