Frequency of Misconceptions About Evolution in Grade 7-12 Biology Textbooks Over Time

Abstract

Evolution is the unifying idea of biology. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood ideas in biology. Misconceptions about evolution are common among students, teachers and the general public. However, because it is the central theory of biology and understanding evolution is becoming increasingly important to understanding medicine, agriculture and many other areas of modern life. Textbooks used in secondary schools are likely one of the first introductions a person has to evolution. Teachers who are not fully confident in their own knowledge of evolution will likely rely heavily on textbooks in their teaching. Therefore, misconceptions found in or reinforced by secondary textbooks will likely be transferred to students. The current study sought to explore the prevalence of misconceptions in grade 7-12 life science textbooks, whether the frequency and type of misconceptions has changed over time as well as, how and if textbooks address misconceptions.