A review of research instruments assessing levels of student acceptance of evolution

This article reviews four categorisation schemes used to classify levels of student acceptance of evolution: quasi-continuous scales of acceptance using the MATE, a binary classification scheme (acceptors or rejecters) commonly used in quantitative studies, a ternary classification scheme (accept, unsure and reject) commonly used in qualitative studies, and a multi-dimensional classification system based on the relationship between evolution and creation. Each of these schemes has its own drawbacks and advantages. In order to measure levels of student acceptance of evolution more effectively, this article therefore suggests a classification and wording based on a single 5-scale item suggested by Smith (2010) in which the advantages of the four classification schemes are integrated. However, it is acknowledged here that there is no single perfect instrument. Nonetheless, this newly proposed instrument is worth considering. To make it more useful for data analysis, an additional question may be added in response to this 5-scale question such as reasons for being reserved from strong acceptance or which parts of the theory of evolution that respondents reject. This kind of question will provide qualitative data to strengthen findings from the proposed instrument alone. It is therefore suggested for researchers interested in investigating student acceptance of evolution to try this out empirically in order to explore its usefulness.