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Table 5 Mean (± S.E.) developmental level scores on selected laboratory challenges

From: Correcting misconceptions about evolution: an innovative, inquiry-based introductory biological anthropology laboratory course improves understanding of evolution compared to instructor-centered courses

Laboratory challenge variables

N

(# Students)

Early Semester Lab Module (Evolution and Scientific Thinking)

Mid Semester Lab Module (Primate Anatomy and Locomotion)

Change in Mean Developmental Level

Defining the Problem

42

2.05

(S.E. = 0.08)

2.00

(S.E. = 0.12)

− .05^

Developing a Plan to Solve the Problem

42

1.83

(S.E. = 0.07)

2.10

(S.E. = 0.09)

 + 0.27*^

Analyzing and Presenting Information

42

2.07

(S.E. = 0.07)

2.52

(S.E. = 0.08)

 + 0.45***^

Interpreting Findings and Solving the Problem

42

2.17

(S.E. = 0.08)

2.33

(S.E. = 0.11)

 + 0.16^

  1. *p < .05;
  2. ***p < .001;
  3. 1 = Beginning; 2 = Developing; 3 = Appropriately Developed; 4 = Exemplary
  4. ^Repeated Measures: Within subjects = pre- vs post-course, significant for Developing a Plan to Solve to the Problem [F (1,41) = 5.340, p < .05] and for Analyzing and Presenting Information [F (1,41) = 17.271, p < .001]; Between subjects = fall term vs spring term, no significant effects; No significant interaction