Interpretation of Measures

Religious Influence on Evolution Acceptance

This measures the extent to which students rely on religious influences (e.g., leaders, readings, etc.) in forming their opinions about evolution. A high value would indicate that religion is highly influential in their decisions about evolution.

General Religious Influence

This measures the extent to which students rely on religion when making decisions about controversial issues in general (e.g., reproductive technology, same sex marriage). A high value would indicate that religion plays a large role in their decisions concerning controversies.

Scientific Influence on Evolution Acceptance

This measures the extent to which students rely on scientific sources (e.g., professors, textbooks, etc.) in forming their opinions about evolution. A high value would indicate that scientific sources are highly influential in their decisions about evolution.

General Scientific Influence

This measures the extent to which students rely on scientific data when making decisions about controversial issues in general (e.g., climate change, vaccines, GMO’s). A high value would indicate that science plays a large role in their decisions concerning controversies.

Feelings of Conflict Between Science and Religion

This measures the extent to which students feel there is conflict between science and religion. A high value would indicate high feelings of conflict.

Acceptance of Microevolution (I-SEA)

This is a portion of a published inventory, called the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance, that measures students’ acceptance of microevolution (i.e., small adaptations through natural selection). A high value indicates high acceptance.

Acceptance of Macroevolution (I-SEA)

This is a portion of a published inventory, called the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance, that measures students’ acceptance of macroevolution (i.e., speciation events and common ancestry). A high value indicates high acceptance.

Acceptance of Human Evolution (I-SEA)

This is a portion of a published inventory, called the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance, that measures students’ acceptance of human evolution. A high value indicates high acceptance.