Semistructured interviews with 15 masters-level biology students revealed that most proposed deterministic explanations of evolutionary processes, ignored the role of chance, seemed unaware of debates over deterministic versus probabilistic models of evolution, and confused evolutionary theory (a model) with the actual complex processes it…

Suggests that misconceptions about natural selection arise from mistaken categorization. Proposes that students often fail to understand the ontological features of equilibrium processes. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Shows how Dynamic Social Impact Theory (DSIT) and an evolutionary perspective offer new ways of understanding social representations through communication. Outlines the metatheoretical perspective that social representations emerge as structure in self-organizing systems. Explores ways in which DSIT might be further informed by the dynamic…

Psychological equilibration (internal mental process by which individuals develop intellectually) is discussed in terms of its origin in the biological theory of evolution and in the thinking of Jean Piaget. The importance of equilibration theory for biology instruction is then considered. (Author/JN)

Discusses why there are creationists, fundamentalists, and evolutionists. Topics addressed include: modern, primitive and creationist thought; myths; appeal of occult; experiments in naturalistic thought; early evolution of American fundamentalism; militant fundamentalism; fundamentalist activities; Islamic fundamentalism; and others. Suggestions…

Described is a curriculum theory and construction within an epistemological model whose specific purpose is to serve as a general guide to the Amerindian peoples (Indians and Inuit) in their search for solutions to the problem of cultural survival. The model is also meant to have universal application, especially where there are cultures in…