International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
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Volume: 12 Number: 1 Page: 6–17
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An Investigation into UK Higher Education Students' Knowledge of Global Climatic Change
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Greg Spellman, Ken Field and John Sinclair
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The promotion of 'scientific literacy' is seen to be desirable by governments and science educators due to the low level of measured public knowledge about scientific issues. A 20-statement survey originally
designed by American researchers was completed by 400 UK higher education students to assess the knowledge and understanding of the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion. The overall mean score was higher
than that of the American students. UK students scored significantly higher on ozone depletion questions than greenhouse questions. Significant differences were found (1) between students with science A
levels and those without, and (2) between students whose main information source was printed matter and those who relied on television. There were no significant gender-related or age-related differences
in the study. The relevance of such knowledge-based studies is discussed.
Keywords: SCIENTIFIC LITERACY, HIGHER EDUCATION, GREENHOUSE EFFECT, OZONE DEPLETION, PUBLIC PERCEPTION
© Multilingual Matters 2003
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