• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.398-407
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• 2000

We investigated people's patterns of reasoning regarding the Korean traditional interpretation of Planet Occultation by the Moon. A questionnaire survey was administered to the sample which consisted of 632 participants: middle school students(n=164), high school students(n=157), university students(n=172), and the public(n=139). It was revealed that 15.7% of the participants agreed, 38.1% disagreed, and 46.2% were neutral to the traditional interpretation. A comparatively large portion of the university students made a scientifically correct judgement by disagreeing with the traditional interpretation. On the other hand, a relatively small proportion of the middle school students disagreed. Participants' views of nature and views of science were the major reasons for making their judgements. Most participants were fixed with similar views to the Korean traditional view of nature. Most of the participants valued using more extensive evidence and experimental proofs in science. High school and university students considered their metaphysical beliefs, such as view of nature and view of science, more important than other groups did. In contrast to this, middle school students and the public depended more strongly on their personal experiences. Participants' social experiences and their scientific knowledge were also important reasons for making their judgement. However the differences in their scientific knowledge seemed to exert different influences on their reasoning. The results of this study show differences in how an individual thinks as well as differences between communities. Thus, science education and research considering multicultural settings are needed. In addition, science educators and researchers should pay attention to pupils' metaphysical beliefs such as their views of nature and views of science.