Public Opinions and Knowledge about Microorganisms

Autor/inn/en	Špernjak, Andreja; Jug Puhmeister, Anja; Šorgo, Andrej
Titel	Public Opinions and Knowledge about Microorganisms
Quelle	In: Research in Science & Technological Education, 41 (2023) 2, S.800-818 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Špernjak, Andreja) ORCID (Jug Puhmeister, Anja) ORCID (Šorgo, Andrej)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0263-5143
DOI	10.1080/02635143.2021.1952407
Schlagwörter	Public Opinion; Knowledge Level; Scientific Literacy; Microbiology; Online Surveys; Misconceptions; Age Differences; Gender Differences; Educational Attainment; Scores; Scientific Concepts; Fear; COVID-19; Pandemics; Foreign Countries; Slovenia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Öffentliche Meinung; Wissensbasis; Mikrobiologie; Missverständnis; Age; Difference; Age difference; Altersunterschied; Geschlechterkonflikt; Bildungsabschluss; Bildungsgut; Furcht; Ausland; Slowenien
Abstract	Background: The microbiology should be a part of curricula; especially after epidemic COVID-19. Purpose: The study reports the level of knowledge and opinions of Slovenian citizens about microorganisms. Sample: The target population of the online survey was Slovenian citizens older than 14 years. Design and methods: We collected 405 complete surveys, which structured with 47 knowledge items and 18 opinion items about microorganisms. Results: We found a lack of knowledge among citizens and corresponding misconceptions about microorganisms. There were no statistically significant differences in citizens' knowledge by age and gender, but citizens with higher educational attainment had better knowledge scores. Participants equate the terms virus, bacteria and microorganisms, an error that can lead to misconceptions. We found that between 15.0 and 20.0% of citizens experience fear of microorganisms. Regarding gender, age and degree level, there were statistically significant differences in participants' opinions about microorganisms. 45.5% of the participants agreed that the topic of microorganisms is underrepresented in school. This is probably the reason why 44.2% of the participants are not interested in microbiology, although 74.6% are aware that knowledge about microorganisms is important and useful. Conclusion: It would be good to strengthen the content and ways of working in the education system, because in case of a pandemic like SARS-CoV-2 there would be more understanding of what we are dealing with and less fear of the ignorant. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01