ERIC Number: EJ872079
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 40
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0973
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of the Measure of Understanding of Macroevolution: Introducing the MUM
Nadelson, Louis S.; Southerland, Sherry A.
Journal of Experimental Education, v78 n2 p151-190 2010
The challenges in teaching and learning of biological evolution continue to be documented (NAS, 2008). Developers of science standards continue their work to increase emphasis on evolution. Although gains have been made, many K-12 science curricula focus on microevolution (i.e., natural selection, genetic drift), and a more limited effort is in place to provide exposure to macroevolution (i.e., speciation). Many of the public's fundamental questions concerning evolution actually stem from macroevolutionary changes. This research involved the development and psychometric evaluation of the Measure of Understanding of Macroevolution (MUM), an assessment of college undergraduate understanding of the scientific portrayal of macroevolution. The MUM comprises 27 multiple-choice items and 1 free-response item. The authors achieved content validity based on feedback from professional biologists and evolution educators. The MUM was field tested with 3 unique cohorts of undergraduate students (N = 795). The validity and reliability analyses indicate that the MUM effectively, consistently, and accurately measures students' understanding of macroevolution. (Contains 4 tables and 7 figures.)
Descriptors: Biology, Evolution, Scientific Principles, Science Education, Knowledge Level, Undergraduate Students, Measures (Individuals), Content Validity, Validity, Reliability, Material Development, Item Analysis, Cohort Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A