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Peer-reviewed article

To know or not to know: uncertainty is the answer. Synthesis of six different science exhibition contexts

May 7, 2018 | Exhibitions

This meta-article aims to explore the role of uncertainty in knowing in informal science learning contexts. Subjects (N=2591) were sixth-graders from four countries. In addition to the correct and incorrect questionnaire alternatives, there was a "don't know" option to choose if uncertain of the answer. The unique path-analysis finding showed that the role of motivation was uniformly positive on correct and negative on uncertainty of answers. In all contexts the number of correct answers increased, incorrect and uncertain answers decreased. Interestingly, although there was no more difference in knowledge pro boys after the intervention, the girls were still more uncertain.

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  • Helena Thuneberg
    Author
    University of Helsinki
  • Hannu Salmi
    Author
    University of Helsinki
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.22323/2.17020201
    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 17
    Number: 2
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: Middle School Children (11-13) | Museum/ISE Professionals | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits
    Access and Inclusion: Women and Girls

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