The influence of the mass media on Australian primary students' understandings of genes and DNA

Donovan, Jennifer (2014) The influence of the mass media on Australian primary students' understandings of genes and DNA. [Thesis (PhD/Research)]

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Abstract

The research purpose was to investigate the influence of the mass media on 10-12 year olds' understandings of genes and DNA. Data were collected by media usage questionnaires (N=141) and genetics understandings interviews (n=62). Genetics content of the media was critically reviewed. Participants used media 5 hr/day, mostly television including crime shows. Children's understandings paralleled their media exposure, knowing more about DNA's use for crime-solving than DNA biology. More students knew of DNA than genes; and half believed DNA is only in forensic body parts. Primary schools could capitalize on students' interest to introduce fundamental genetics before misconceptions become entrenched.

Statistics for this ePrint Item

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD/Research)
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts - School of Teacher Education and Early Childhood (1 Jul 2013 - 30 Jun 2019)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts - School of Teacher Education and Early Childhood (1 Jul 2013 - 30 Jun 2019)
Supervisors:	Winthrop Professor Grady Venville
Date Deposited:	14 May 2015 03:52
Last Modified:	14 May 2015 03:52
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mass media; primary students; genes; DNA; crime show effect
Fields of Research (2008):	19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing > 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media > 190204 Film and Television 13 Education > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130212 Science, Technology and Engineering Curriculum and Pedagogy 13 Education > 1301 Education Systems > 130105 Primary Education (excl. Maori)
Fields of Research (2020):	36 CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 3605 Screen and digital media > 360505 Screen media 39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390113 Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogy 39 EDUCATION > 3903 Education systems > 390304 Primary education
Socio-Economic Objectives (2008):	C Society > 93 Education and Training > 9303 Curriculum > 930399 Curriculum not elsewhere classified C Society > 93 Education and Training > 9301 Learner and Learning > 930102 Learner and Learning Processes
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/25622

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