The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to develop and validate a five-tier diagnostic instrument for respiration and photosynthesis; (2) to uncover senior high school students' genuine misconceptions in Mainland China and explore the characteristics of their sources and formation mechanisms. To achieve these aims, a five-tier diagnostic…

Today's science education faces the imperative task of developing students' competency to navigate misinformation while broadening the scope of scientific literacy. Traditionally, the concept of epistemic dependence, which encourages public trust in professional scientists, has supported this goal. However, the current landscape of science…