The Role of argumentation theory in scientific reasoning and science education

Download
2019
Meriç, Gülden Alaz
This thesis analyzes Argumentation Theory within the context of science education. Within this thesis’s purpose, foundations of Argumentation Theory together with the theory’s main elements are also explained. The role of Argumentation Theory is approached in two aspects, namely the philosophical aspect and the educational aspect. In the philosophical aspect, it is questioned whether some reformations in Argumentation Theory is needed for adapting it for science education. In the educational aspect, it is explained that how we can use Argumentation Theory as a tool for a new type of science education. Throughout the thesis, it is defended that argumentation-based science education is beneficial for students in terms of learning scientific content, remembering what is learnt in longer periods with comparison to the traditional way of learning that is not argumentative, and learning how to argue.

Suggestions

New directions in the direction of time
Bağcı, Gökhan Barış; Grünberg, Teo; Department of Philosophy (2006)
This thesis analyzes the direction of time problem in the framework of philosophy of science. The radiation arrow, Newtonian arrow, thermodynamic arrow and quantum mechanical arrow have been studied in detail. The importance of the structure of space-time concerning direction of time is emphasized.
THE ONTOLOGY OF CAPITAL: ON THE SHARED METHODOLOGICAL LIMITS OF MODERNIZATION THEORY AND ITS CRITICS
Mücen, Barış (2018-06-01)
This article argues that critical scholarship in historical studies has not overcome the methodological limits of modernization theory for failing to question the ontological principles that construct its object of analysis. I call these principles the ontology of capital and explicate them through Bourdieu's conceptualization of the field and capital. I argue that this ontology is established according to a distribution model in which social entities come into the analysis with the amount and value of the ...
How technology supports argumentation structures in the geometry context
Erkek, Özlem; Işıksal Bostan, Mine (null; 2018-07-02)
Argumentation encompasses higher order thinking skills, such as generating hypothesis, justifying ideas, synthesizing problems, challenging others’ views, comparing different positions and evaluating hypotheses via empirical evidence (Hewit, 2010). The teacher plays a crucial role in the argumentation process and, thus, should be pedagogically equipped to effectively prepare and implement an argumentation-based instruction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nature of the argumentation stru...
The contribution of understandings of evolutionary theory and nature of science to pre-service science teachers' acceptance of evolutionary theory
Akyol, Gulsum; Öztekin, Ceren; Sungur, Semra (2010-10-31)
This study examined how well pre-service science teachers' understandings of evolutionary theory and nature of science predict their acceptance of evolutionary theory. A total of 136 pre-service science teachers participated in the study. Data were collected through Evolution Content Knowledge Test, Nature of Science as Argument Questionnaire and Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution and analyzed by using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The analysis revealed that only understanding of nature...
The Nature and Role of Thought Experiments in Solving Conceptual Physics Problems
Kosem, Sule Donertas; Özdemir, Ömer Faruk (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2014-04-01)
This study describes the possible variations of thought experiments in terms of their nature, purpose, and reasoning resources adopted during the solution of conceptual physics problems. A phenomenographic research approach was adopted for this study. Three groups of participants with varying levels of physics knowledge-low, medium, and high level-were selected in order to capture potential variations. Five participants were selected within each level group and the study was conducted with fifteen participa...
Citation Formats
G. A. Meriç, “The Role of argumentation theory in scientific reasoning and science education,” Thesis (M.S.) -- Graduate School of Social Sciences. Philosophy., Middle East Technical University, 2019.