International Journal of Science Education, Part B 2011, 1–20, iFirst Article
RESEARCH PAPER
Downloaded by [Brady Jack] at 20:32 20 October 2011
Effects of Exposure to Pseudoscientific Television Programs upon Taiwanese Citizens’ Pseudoscientific Beliefs Chun-Yen Tsaia, Paichi Pat Sheinb, Brady Michael Jackc, Kun-Chang Wud, Ching-Yang Chouc, Yuh-Yih Wue, Chia-Ju Liuc, Houn-Lin Chiuf , Jeng-Fung Hungc, David Chaog and Tai-Chu Huangh∗ a
Department of Information Management, Cheng Shiu University, Taiwan; bCenter for Teacher Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan; cGraduate Institute of Science Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan; dRuei Fong Elementary School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; eDepartment of Special Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan; fDepartment of Chemistry, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan; gDepartment of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan; hCenter for General Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan
This study investigated the effects of exposure to pseudoscientific television (TV) programs upon Taiwanese citizens’ pseudoscientific beliefs. The beliefs and practices of pseudoscience portrayed in the media may misguide the citizens in making life choices that may lead to negative consequences. Participants of this study included 2,024 individuals who were selected using probability proportional to size sampling method. Interviews were conducted and survey data were quantitatively analyzed by means of stepwise multiple regressions and reported with the use of cross tables. Results revealed exposure to pseudoscientific TV programs as a strong predictor of Taiwanese citizens’ pseudoscientific beliefs and that younger citizens demonstrate more pseudoscientific beliefs and practices than older citizens. Researchers of this study proposed the need for making better use of mass media as a way to educate citizens about science and reduce pseudoscientific beliefs.
Keywords: Mass media; Paranormal; Pseudoscience; Scientific literacy; Television exposure ∗
Corresponding author. Center for General Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, No. 70, Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan. Email:
[email protected]
ISSN 2154-8455 (print)/ISSN 2154-8463 (online)/11/000001–20 # 2011 Taylor & Francis DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2011.610132
