The representation of scientific research in the national curriculum and secondary school pupils’ perceptions of research, its function, usefulness and value to their lives

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7449.2
• Publication Date: 2016-02-12T14:45:23Z
• Authors: Kay Yeoman; Laura Bowater; Elena Nardi
• Keywords: National curriculum; Value (mathematics)

<ns4:p>Young people’s views on what research is, how it is conducted and whether important, influences the decisions they make about their further studies career choices. In this paper we report analysis of questionnaire data with a particular focus pupil perceptions in sciences scientific method. The was 25-item Likert Scale (1-5) distributed to seven collaborating schools. We received 2634 returns from pupils across key stages 3, 4 5. also asked teachers complete order explore thought would respond. 54 teacher responses. Statistically significant differences responses were identified through chi-square test SPSS. As being taught secondary consider term ‘research’ appears national curriculum for England Wales three main English exam boards. theoretical construct that informs our Angela Brew’s 4-tier descriptor (domino, trading, layer, journey). use framework map what, when presented school Wales. highlight discuss certain emerged which indicate areas where pedagogy intervention may be necessary: seem less confident understanding as involving identification question; and, often see means confirm one’s own opinion. They do however understand generation new knowledge collection data, such interviews questionnaires well laboratory work, field trips library searches appear relatively statements ability research, experiences importance future choice.</ns4:p>