Table 4 Definitions of evolution acceptance from authors of instruments evaluated by the network
Instrument | Author's definitions of evolution acceptance |
|---|---|
Original MATE | Authors do not provide an explicit definition but says acceptance includes: 1) the processes of evolution, (2) the available evidence of evolutionary change, (3) the ability of evolutionary theory to explain phenomena, (4) the evolution of humans, (5) the age of the earth, (6) the independent validity of science as a way of knowing, and (7) the current status of evolutionary theory within the scientific community |
MATE 2.0 | Authors provide an explicit definition of acceptance of evolution in the article as “The agreement that it is scientifically valid that all species have evolved from prior species.” |
I-SEA | Authors do not provide a single definition of evolution acceptance, but they define acceptance broadly: “Acceptance of a construct is based on an examination of the validity of the knowledge supporting the construct, the plausibility of the construct for explaining phenomenon, persuasiveness of the construct, and fruitfulness or productivity of the empirical support for the construct” |
Original GAENE | Authors provide an explicit definition of acceptance of evolution in the article as “Evolution acceptance is the mental act or policy of deeming, positing, or postulating that the current theory of evolution is the best current available scientific explanation of the origin of new species from preexisting species.” |
GAENE 3.0 | Authors provide an explicit definition of acceptance of evolution in the article as “Evolution acceptance is the mental act or policy of deeming, positing, or postulating that the current theory of evolution is the best current available scientific explanation of the origin of new species from preexisting species.” |
EEQ-ATEVO | Authors do not provide an explicit definition of evolution acceptance, but relate it to “a positive attitude toward evolution” |
Gallup | None given |
Pew | None given |
Miller | Authors define acceptance of evolution as agreement with the statement “Human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals.” |