Welcome to all of my students in Physical Anthropology from College of the Canyons!
(Anthro 101)
(Anthro 101)
This course uses the blogging system for submitting approximately half of your assignments. Part of each blog assignment will include points granted for constructive comments submitted to other student posts. You will need to read and review what other students post and then add a comment to their post, providing positive and/or critical feedback to the information they have submitted. You are encouraged to review the comments left on your blog by other students (and your instructor), as they may provide information that will help you better understand the material. You may also reply to these comments, though that is not required.
Use this blog as just a sample of what you might want to do with your own blog. You aren't required to personalize it... If all you do is use the posting function, that's up to you, but have some fun with it! I do ask that you limit posts to strictly course projects for the duration of the 8 weeks of this class. After that, it is up to you what you want to do with it.
There are two parts to this section of the Day 1 procedures:
1. Setting up your own blog:
To get started, click the link to the right for the page "Setting up your own blog on Blogger" and carefully follow all of the directions listed there. You will need to submit the url link to your new blog through the assignment portal by midnight of Day 1, though formatting and personalization of your blog can be done at your leisure. Make sure you are sending the correct "url" format in your email to me. Your url should resemble the sample in the guidelines.
2. In addition to setting up your blog, get some practice in taking part in a blog discussion:
- Submit a comment to this post with regard to the discussion question listed below. Please submit as a comment below, NOT on your personal blogs. Click the "Comments" link below to get started.
- Make two constructive responses within the comment thread below to comments made by other students. You can do this by clicking the "reply" link at the bottom of the comment to which you wish to respond. Please make sure to follow the course Netiquette rules (available on Canvas under "Course Info"). Again, these comments should go on the comment thread below, NOT on your personal blogs.
You will be posting three separate comments, worth 5 points each, one response to the prompt and two responses to other students.
Discussion Question: A question I hear often, with regard to evolutionary theory, is "Do you believe in evolution?" You do NOT need to answer this question for this discussion, but think about how this question is asked and the words that are used to ask it.
- What does the question tell you about the questioner's understanding, perceptions and possible misconceptions of evolutionary theory?
- What is a better way to phrase this question and why is it better?
Ready? Go!
How a person asks “Do you believe in evolution?” suggests that they themselves are viewing evolution as something as make-believe or made up. It suggests that it is a personal decision or that it is something you choose to do. Very similar to the idea of the belief in Santa Claus or the tooth fairy. By using those specific words, it suggests that the person asking doesn’t necessarily understand that the theory of evolution is based upon evidence and not just guesses or whims. In science, the term theory means an explanation supported by a wide range of evidence. Which is different from the generally accepted idea of a theory: it is an idea, but you might not be right because not a lot of evidence, and those ideas can change. In addition, people often don’t understand that right now, there is only one theory of evolution. People often think that there are many explanations to explain the diversity of species.
ReplyDeleteThere are better ways to ask the question of “Do you believe in evolution?” First, by rephrasing the words, it allows the answer to be more than a simple Yes or No answer. It forces one to think and explain. Secondly, it removes the emotions from the question and allows for reasoning and discussions. And thirdly, it promotes the possibility of educating of the misconceptions that people have.
I think I would change the question to one of these:
What are your thoughts on the theory of evolution?
What is your perspective on the theory of evolution?
What do you think about the idea that all life evolved from a common ancestor?
Hi Matt,
DeleteI liked how you noted that the question itself tends to make people inherently question the existence of evolution, since it's not worded as a scientific fact. I agree with you when you say evolution shouldn't just be a belief: it's a grounded fact! Additionally, it's quite interesting to see your third question, as it allows people to think of the definition of evolution before they make any sort of decision about what evolution is. I'm a firm believer that you have to say what you mean to provide context to your audience, so this question allows people to understand what it is you want to say before they answer with a simple "Yes" or "No". Great job!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Matt, I like your last question that you suggested: "What do you think about the idea that all life evolved from a common ancestor?" In my own post, I talked about the ideas of micro and macro evolution. This question does a good job of differentiating between the two. Your question asks about macro-evolution, which is the changing of one species into another. There are many who believe in micro-evolution, but not in common ancestry, so it is important to clarify the question. I also agree that this question makes the topic a bit more straightforward to discuss.
DeleteHi Matt
DeleteYou have precisely described why "Do you believe in evolution?" is a difficult question. It actually portrays evolution as a matter of preference or even make-believe, ignoring the scientific theory's enormous evidence-base. Your argument regarding the general misconception concerning "theory" in research is correct—it is more than just a hunch. Modifying the question, just like you suggest, is critical as this allows for more than just a yes/no answer, enables intelligent discussion, and, particularly, opens the door to teaching people about scientific truths. Your recommended questions are great ways to start a very beneficial conversation.
Good Afternoon Matt,
DeleteI think the way that you rephrased the question to "what is your perspective on the theory of evolution?" is a far superior way to ask it. I feel that way is really the best to get to the root of what somebody not only thinks but truly believes. It is easy to just say yes or no depending on your belief system, but by digging deeper with your way of asking I foresee a deeper understanding of the individual as a whole. Perhaps the environment and upbringing shaped their outlook on the initial question rather then actual concrete evidence and science.
Hi Matt, the way you talked on the beliefs of evolution was a such a great reading. In terms of how you rephrased it made it more of something to really think about and try to under stand how it can be truly happen. It can be implemented in both religion and scientific method. The idea of not only one person but millions of peoples perspective of theory or definition in evolution can be a true mind boggling question
DeleteThe question "Do you believe in evolution?" is a rather pointed question. Evolution, as stated previously, should not be a notion to believe. Rather, it should just be an accepted fact in society that it exists and is the common ground for the characteristics--physical and hereditary--that organisms possess. This question tells me that the questioner is skeptical about evolution and is, in a way, challenging its basis. The misconception about evolution, to me, is that it is linear, meaning that all evolution is similar. In reality, while evolution serves to enhance traits that are desirable in a changing environment, the way it does so varies. Evolution isn't just a land-dwelling animal learning to swim and then growing fins. It doesn't have to be visible to the naked eye--(for example, cognitive evolution and increasing intelligence). The lack of understanding of this notion makes people think that evolution hasn't really taken place in many species because it doesn't look the same as how humans evolved, for example. The questioner, in this case, may believe that evolution is an umbrella term for species changing physically, which they cannot see with their own eyes, leading them to believe it simply doesn't exist in all organisms.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, some better ways to phrase this question would be:
Do you believe evolution varies from organism to organism?
Can evolution be expressed in more ways than just physical evolution?
How can we understand evolution with a holistic perspective so that everybody believes it to be a scientific fact?
Rephrasing these questions makes it sound less questioning and makes people think past the accepted answers. It also forces people to do their own research and formulate opinions that are culturally marketable and can appeal to even the skeptics and questioners. It encourages the ideas of observation and passionate exploration, fostering a need for truth-seeking.
Hi Nikita, I find it interesting that you say evolution should not be a notion to believe, but a commonly accepted notion in society. However, there is a significant amount of the population in both the U.S. and the world that does not believe in the theory evolution. There are a wide variety of worldviews and explanations for how the world as we know it came into existence. While I am sure most believe in micro-evolution, macro-evolution (the changing of one species into another) is a much more secular belief. I do agree that it is important for people to do their own research and formulate their own opinions. In the words of Socrates, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
DeleteGood morning Nikita,
DeleteI too agree that evolution should be accepted by society. I like the way that you phrased your questions because in my opinion you as the asker have clearly implied your viewpoint on the questions subject. I think it is a really good way to get deeper information across and also to further educate someone and possibly yourself with more then just a yes or no answer.
I agree with one of your comments about how evolution doesn't have to be "visible to the naked eye". Evolution takes hundreds of thousands if not millions of years to occur. The chances of it happening within our life times are very slim to none. We will only see the results of it occurring. Evolution is an ongoing process (like it says in pg. 5 of the text).
DeleteI also thought your 2nd question (Can evolution be expressed in more ways than just physical evolution?) forces the person to think outside of their normal viewpoints and challenges them to conduct their own research and question ideas. After all, isn't that what science is mainly about: Questioning and discovering answers.
Hi Nikita, I appreciated your view of the question, seeing it as "pointed" as though it is being asked by a skeptic. I did not consider this while writing my post however I definitely agree with your explanation that it sounds as though the person asking it has doubt in the scientifically proven theory and feels the need to challenge others. Secondly, I agree that people should conduct personal research in order to engage in a productive conversation about evolution to begin with. Overall, very well-put.
DeleteHi Nikita,
DeleteI like your observation of how some people just believe that physical traits are effected by evolution. A bigger issue is that many don't understand how it works. Some believe that evolution is a magical process where an organism just receives the traits it needs to survive. This makes it similar to different religions which only adds to the confusion (also suggesting that there is opinion involved in the theory). However evolution is simply a result of population numbers and genetics. Organisms with favorable traits stay alive long enough to produce offspring which inherent these traits.
The question, "Do you believe in evolution," implies that the asker simply does not know the worldview of the person being asked. It does not say much about the beliefs of either party. Context would help us understand why the question is being asked and of whom. The questioner has one major misconception about evolution. They think that all evolution is the same. However, there is a difference between micro-evolution and macro-evolution. Micro-evolution refers to the changing of traits within a species. Bears are a good example of this. Through natural selection and survival of the fittest, polar bears have evolved long, thick coats to survive in the Arctic. However, they are still bears, even if they may be different from grizzly or black bears. On the other hand, macro-evolution refers to the theory that some species have evolved into other species. They are so different that taxonomists have classified them as a different species altogether. We can observe micro-evolution in our world, but not macro-evolution.
ReplyDeleteThis questions should be split into two questions: "Do you believe in micro-evolution?" and "Do you believe in macro-evolution?" These two questions will provide a more accurate picture of the perspective of the person being asked.
Hi Levi! Your ideas about micro and macro evolution are interesting. It splits the umbrella term "evolution" into two, distinct and separate terms, allowing the audience to think about the differences in evolution. I believe that evolution isn't just that we evolved from a common ancestor, it's that it accounts for all our decisions and actions. While this is true, there is much more to evolution than just the fact that we all hail from one common ancestor. The finches of the Galapagos Island that Charles Darwin studied, for example, evolved in varying ways to meet the needs of an ever-changing environment. They are all from a common ancestor but evolved so differently. By changing the wording of the question, like you mentioned, you break the umbrella term evolution up into two easily-digestible ways to look at it. Great work!
DeleteHi Levi
DeleteWhat an excellent insight on differentiating among micro- and macro-evolution! You've effectively demonstrated how the broad inquiry "Do you believe in evolution?" frequently overlooks the critical distinction in how these theories are understood and seen. dividing the question into "Do you believe in micro-evolution?" as well as "Do you believe in macro-evolution?" is amazing; it gets straight to the heart of specific perspectives while avoiding lumping everything together. This method would undoubtedly result in significantly clearer and more constructive discussions regarding evolution.
Levi, I agree with your first sentence about how asking the question with those specific words implies that they don't know the worldview of the person they are asking. By doing that, one is making an assumption about the person and what they believe or understand. You are judging them.
DeleteI like how you identified the differences between macro and micro evolution. Most people do not understand the difference. Also, many think that evolution only occurs when a new species appears. And that isn't the case. Thank you for identifying those differences.
Hi Levi,
DeleteI have not considered micro vs macro evolution. This got me thinking. I appreciate this perspective.
Hey Levi, I like your point about how important context is in this situation. Considering the broadness of the question, and the different connotations possible based on the people involved in the conversation, it would be hard to answer without context. I also enjoyed your relatable example of evolution in nature, and breakdown of micro vs macro evolution.
DeleteHi Levi, I never thought about evolution as having different levels on a micro and macro scale. Good job on separating the question into two different specific questions with examples as well it shows how much you know.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe question over the belief of evolution in my opinion can and should go deeper then rather a yes or no response. my freshman year of high school I attended a traditionally run catholic church institution, further more my teachers were all monks from The Order of St Benedict. So my first exposure to the theory of evolution, and Charles Darwin was from a priest. The same style of question "do you believe" was proposed to the class, along with the sort of opposite to the initial question "why don't you believe". Needless to say the sparks of a civil war in Fr. Guy's classroom were brewing amongst us students. I think that when the question is formulated in that way the asker has long already made up their mind as to the answer. In this case it was his belief that God created the creatures that were the first beings to walk this planet and that from there it was nature that shaped them into the complex and emotional beings that we all stare at in the mirror every morning and ended it at that. Right or wrong I think he could have done better to get to the root of students of various backgrounds and upbringings beliefs. Room was not left to expand upon the answer. As other classmates have stated in reply's to this prompt you need to go deeper. I think the way to rephrase the question is to ask "how do you view the theory of evolution", and in my opinion a crucial follow up must always be asked, why. Why do you or why do you not. Everyone is entitled to a opinion or to believe what they want, but I think it is constructive to understand why they believe that way and if it is even possible to present factual data to impact and educate them further. By asking and obtaining their view point it in my opinion will further your understanding of the individual and perhaps impact the way you view it as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Collin, The question "Do you believe in evolution?" presents it as a matter of religion rather than science, and is frequently based upon the questioner's own personal beliefs. This simple formulation eliminates complex conversation and inhibits greater comprehension or misunderstandings. A more appropriate question would be " In what ways do you evaluate the hypothesis of the evolution of life, and why?" This prompts a personal explanation, disclosing the basis of their viewpoint. The "why" is critical because it reveals the reasons for their perspective, allowing for meaningful debate and potential teaching based on shared knowledge.
Delete
DeleteHi Collin, your experience at the Catholic school sounds really interesting. I think it’s valuable that you got to hear about evolution from someone with a religious background—it shows how science and faith can sometimes be talked about together. I agree with you that the way the question is asked makes a huge difference. “How do you view the theory of evolution?” is a much more open and thoughtful way to start a discussion. It invites conversation instead of shutting it down.
Hi Collin, your personal experience is fascinating in this context, I personally did not grow up in a religious environment and thus, have not seen the perspective of others on the matter of evolution. I imagine it is confusing to be offered differing beliefs in something so contradictory, but I find it incredibly inspiring that people can discuss them in harmony without stepping on each others toes. I also agree that in order to have a balanced understanding of a topic, especially one that is widely debated, it is important to value the opinions of those who do not agree with you as you may learn more than you expected from your interactions.
DeleteHey Collin, as someone who had a less religious schooling, and introduction to evolution, your experience is interesting. That kind of study where there is no questioning or thought provoking conversation allowed sounds very frustrating and counterproductive to academic understanding. Especially since while I'm not personally religious, I do think there is room for evolution to be acknowledged within the constructs of religion.
Delete
ReplyDeleteThe question "Do you believe in evolution?" illustrates a prevalent misconception: evolution is something of faith or personal opinion, not a scientific hypothesis supported by facts. It shows that the questioner does not comprehend the essence of science, which is based on observations and testable ideas. A better question could be this "What is your awareness of the theory of evolution, and what is the proof from science that supports it?" This rephrasing transfers the emphasis from "belief" to "analyzing" and "evidence," promoting an exchange based on scientific information and evidence rather than personal belief.
Hi Melina. You made a strong point about how the original question shows a misunderstanding of how science works. I like how your version focuses on awareness and proof instead of belief. It’s a great way to shift the conversation toward evidence and understanding, rather than turning it into a debate about personal views. That kind of phrasing could make classroom discussions a lot more productive.
DeleteGreat point! Clarifying questions helps us separate facts from personal beliefs. Focusing on evidences over personal beliefs leads to better understanding.
DeleteWhen someone asks, “Do you believe in evolution?” it kind of sounds like they think evolution is just an opinion, like believing in ghosts or religion. But evolution isn’t something you just believe in—it’s a scientific theory that’s backed up by tons of research and evidence.
ReplyDeleteUsing the word believe makes it seem like evolution is just a guess or something people choose to accept or not, like a religion. This shows the person asking might not fully understand what evolution really is. They might not know that in science, a theory means something that’s been tested over and over again and is supported by a lot of data.
A better way to ask the question would be: “Do you accept the scientific evidence for evolution?” This is better because it focuses on facts and science, not personal opinions or beliefs. It shows that evolution is based on research, not something people just "believe" in.
So, the way the question is asked says a lot about what the person understands—or doesn’t understand—about science. Asking it the right way can lead to a better, smarter conversation.
Hi Ethan, I like how you were analytical in describing the meaning of "believe" and "theory" to convey the difference between the two.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQuestioning whether someone believes in an ideology rather than a scientific theory can be an obtuse way to judge someone's grasp of modern human existence. The direct question of " Do you believe in evolution?" leaves room for personal spiritual pursuits to cloud people's understanding of the research and evidence-backed, scientifically quantifying theory.
ReplyDeleteEvolution, from my limited knowledge of Anthropology thus far, is not an individual value held by each person on their own accord. It is a collection of understandings that can be proven through examining other similar primate species as well as fossils and other biological records. Evolution is also not only a human experience, but also an occurrence that practically all vertebrates have gone through in order to adapt to new environments and the development of new skills. While we can stand by and not interfere with people's personal religious ideologies, science in the same way should be respected and approached with open minds, perhaps more so as it comes with physical evidence.
Not all laymen attended a scientific lecture, hearing only about evolution from preliminary elementary lessons in their youth. This leaves room for doubt in scientific data. In this way it is difficult to shape the scientific theory of evolution into the knowledge people believe they have gained from personal experiences. This seems to be the gap in which many people fall into doubt under the questioning of evolution.
I believe a clearer and more productive way to ask the question of "Do you believe in evolution?" could be, " Does the scientific data and evidence gathered from research support your beliefs of human existence?" In this formatting of the question the questioner is allowed room to explain that the theory of evolution is backed scientifically, while the one being questioned is able to explain their personal views without escaping the reality of the research that has been done to factualize evolution.
Hi Alicia, you did well to explain the difference between evolution as a scientific theory and religious belief. You go above and beyond in your analysis of the true essence of evolution. Your rephrasing of the question makes a lot of sense and clarifies the point of the question.
DeleteHi Alicia. I really liked your revised question. "Does the scientific data and evidence gathered from research support your beliefs of human existence?" I like how it shapes the question back in a way that gets to the point.
DeleteThe question, "Do you believe in Evolution?" suggests that you would need faith in an unknown in order to perceive evolution. It is a misleading question. Evolution simply is. Like water. You would not say, "Do you believe in water?" It just exists. A better way to phrase this question would be to say, "Have you made time to better develop your understanding of evolution?"
ReplyDeleteHi Edward, your answer first of all, is very clear and concise. It made complete sense, you explained your view really well. Your rephrasing of the question is unlike any I've seen on this page, and still seems correct.
DeleteHey Ed! I really like how you phrased "you would need faith in an unknown in order to perceive evolution". I think this is an in-depth way of explaining the confusion in how the questioner perceives the concept. You don't need to "believe" in evolution for it to exist; it exists regardless of anybody's opinion. Your question is very direct and (I must say) slightly condescending but overall your response does a great job of answer the promt!
DeleteWhen I imagine someone asking me this question, I think of the conflict of ideas of the origin of mankind (God's creation of man vs. evolving from monkeys). The phrasing of this question makes it sound like this is a matter of belief, like there is no evidence proving that evolution is real. However, there is evidence showing that evolution happens all the time. Because the question is phrased the way it is, it causes a misunderstanding with the readers. A better way to phrase this question would be: What are your thoughts on the theory of evolution? I think by adding "theory" to the question leaves room for doubt, but I getting the religious misunderstanding out of the way.
ReplyDeleteHello Spencer, I agree that the phrasing of the questions imbues a sense of opinion where there should not be any. Despite the overwhelming evidence, there is still a prevalent ethos around the topic of anti-evolution. While I dont fully agree that adding the term 'theory' would be the best way to go about it, for adding the term 'theory' might give the impression that it is still up for debate. When the normal person hears 'theory' they think it's something in development, something that doesnt have evidence behind it, something still up for debate.
DeleteHey spencer I really enjoyed reading your passage on your thoughts of evolution. The way you combined both ideas of religion and with the studies of human evolution was brilliant. Many many people would rather have the one theory of either beliefs from religion VS the beliefs in human studies and science
DeleteHey spencer I really enjoyed reading your passage on your thoughts of evolution. The way you combined both ideas of religion and with the studies of human evolution was brilliant. Many many people would rather have the one theory of either beliefs from religion VS the beliefs in human studies and scienc
DeleteThe question "Do you believe in evolution?" suggests that there is opinion involved in this statement. However, this is not a question like "Do you believe aliens exist?" which can be answered with yes or no. This is because currently we don't have any concrete evidence of extraterrestrial life whereas we have loads of real-world evidence available to suggest evolution. A popular example is dark-colored moths becoming more numerous during the industrial revolution when the tree's bark was stained black. Another is a couple on the Galapagos islands which saw the size of bird beaks change across the generations with the availability of different kinds of nuts. These examples are not something you can choose to "believe" in because they are fact. A better question would be "Do you personal beliefs oppose the theory of evolution?".
ReplyDeleteHello Messy, I really enjoyed your post because I was unaware of the moths and I find that incredibly fascinating. The idea that mans creations having a direct impact on the environment around them is something that I find very interesting and have devoted a lot of time to, from the political side of things instead of the anthropological side of things.
DeleteHi, Messy, the question "Do you believe in evolution?" does feel opinion based, especially with its yes or no vibe, missing science like the Industrial Revolution's dark moths or Galapagos finches' beak changes. Your idea of shifting to "Do your personal beliefs oppose the theory of evolution?" is a great way to focus on facts over belief.
DeleteHello Messy,
DeleteI agree that phrasing such a complicated question in a yes-or-no format can be highly confusing to the reader and can be taken in multiple ways. In addition, I find it extremely interesting how these dark-colored moths became more numerous during the Industrial Revolution when the trees' bark was stained black. I heard about the Darwin finches, but never about this! Quite incredible how different species can evolve based on the surroundings of their environment!
The question, "do you believe in evolution", is a fundamentally flawed question. Such as asking, "do you believe the theory of gravity", it gives agency to the individual where there should not be any. For it is phrased as a matter of opinion, instead of as a matter of fact. This levies the ability for the individual to inject their own beliefs and preconceptions onto something that is a fact and thus disregarding Science.
ReplyDeleteBut, even though it is a flawed statement, when you ask someone, "do you believe in evolution", you're not actually asking them if they believe in the 'concept of evolution'. What you're really asking is, "are in my 'in group', or are you in the 'out group'". The question being asked is not purely to ask if someone believes a scientific fact, but if they are the type of person to have a predisposition to disregarding Science and therefore are either in your 'out-group' if you disagree, or 'in-group' if you do agree. The line between Sciences and Politics or Religious beliefs have become more and more blurred as time goes on, therefore, you're not asking someone if they believe in 'evolution' you're asking them if they believe in Science as a whole, and their answer will be indicative of whether or not they are ideologically on the same page, so to speak, the question of evolution is only a coded way of asking, "how do you vote?".
Hello Scott,
DeleteI would like to showcase my understanding of your stance on this topic. The lines of politics, religion, and many other categories have been blurred over the generations, so asking a yes or no question can lead to a million subtopics and answers, especially for an in-depth and complicated topic as evolution. When you said that, “you're not asking someone if they believe in 'evolution' you're asking them if they believe in Science as a whole”, that made a lot of impact on your readers, as we are now understanding that such a one-sided question could have underlying intentions and biases from the question themselves.
When someone is talking on the idea of "Beliefs in Evolution" they can refer to the idea of change, growth, or even adaptation. A lot of people can find this idea a huge misconception and lead into arguments that could be misleading. For example; The world has con through many evolutions from the era of middle age era to the modern day era. A lot of things have changed since then and has been created and accomplished by Man but others who infuse religion or even beliefs in other life form out from our planet would say otherwise, leading to other ideas or thoughts on what "Evolution" could really stand for. A better way to phrase this question is can " Have we in the modern era experienced such a thing as Evolution?"
ReplyDeleteWhen someone is talking on the idea of "Beliefs in Evolution" they can refer to the idea of change, growth, or even adaptation. A lot of people can find this idea a huge misconception and lead into arguments that could be misleading. For example; The world has con through many evolutions from the era of middle age era to the modern day era. A lot of things have changed since then and has been created and accomplished by Man but others who infuse religion or even beliefs in other life form out from our planet would say otherwise, leading to other ideas or thoughts on what "Evolution" could really stand for. A better way to phrase this question is can " Have we in the modern era experienced such a thing as Evolution?"
DeleteThe question "Do you believe in evolution?" in my experience is usually posed as a theological one, as opposed to scientific. There are many proven instances of evolution in nature, and the concept of evolution does not need to exist in the absence of creation or religion, even if that is what the question sometimes is trying to infer. If the person posing the question wants to have a conversation delving into the subject of evolution, maybe it could be better posed as, "What are your thoughts on evolution or evolutionary theory?".
ReplyDeleteI agree at times phrasing questions can help clearly understand a discussion. Your point of view regarding scientific terms versus religious beliefs show how important aspects oh different viewpoints approach evolution. It is important to consider both scientific evidence and the various beliefs people hold. One approach these conversations with respect and a open minded, I appreciate your honesty response.
DeleteHello, Robert! We have similar perspectives on this question. I find that this type of question often comes up in theological discussions and is sometimes used to gauge whether or not someone believes in a creator. But as you mentioned, evolution and a creator can coexist. Your new framing of the question helps shift the focus toward a more scientifically driven discussion. Good job!
DeleteHello Robert, I agree with you that evolution is a proven instance that has taken place numerous times and I like how you touched on the topic that evolution and religion are able to coexist possibly. Your rephrasing of the question into "what are your thoughts on evolutionary theory?" is a clear and much better phrasing than the questioners "Do you believe in Evolution?"
DeleteThe question should be more " What are some common misconceptions about evolution and how can we be understand the scientific explanation behind it?" I feel that I do have certain curiosity and uncertainty about common misconceptions, while seeking some kind of clarification and more deepen insight of evolutionary theory. I believe there more then the theory of us coming from apes instead of a common ancestor, while others might believe that evolution is just theory or it contradicts religious beliefs and not understanding the scientific terms.
ReplyDeleteHello, Adsila! It is good that you framed the question from a scientific perspective because the topic of evolution can often devolve into a theological debate. Seeking clarification on different people's perspectives can also be helpful, as it can help the conversation move forward rather than being hindered by misunderstandings. Good job!
DeleteThe question “Do you believe in evolution?” can reveal a great deal about the questioner. The word “believe” suggests that the theory of evolution is a matter of personal opinion rather than a scientific explanation of our development as a species. This wording is common in theological discussions because participants discuss evolution as a belief that either validates or invalidates the existence of a creator, even though these are not mutually exclusive perspectives. Considering the extensive evidence behind evolution, a better way of framing the question could be, “What is your understanding of the theory of evolution?”. This helps guide the discussion to a more scientific approach to perspectives on the theory of evolution.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the question "Do you believe in evolution?" can reveal a lot about the questioner, as the word "believe" might suggest that they view it more as a personal opinion than a scientific explanation of our species' development, which is a typical framing in theological discussions. Your point about suggesting exclusive perspectives is spot on, even though these aren't always mutually exclusive. I like your rephrased version, "What is your understanding of the theory of evolution?" It does guide the conversation toward a more scientific approach, encouraging us to explore the evidence and perspectives behind it.
DeleteHello Jackson,
DeleteI appreciated your answer and I thought you made some good points regarding the question of "Do you believe in evolution?". I agree with you that the word "believe" has a tendency to make the theory of evolution a matter of opinion and theology and not about observational, repeatable, scientific inquiry and theory. You also made a great point about the word "believe" being more similar to the wordings in religious conversations when evolution is discussed as being in conflict with a belief in a creator, when both ideas can be talked about and discussed without conflict (coexistence).
I also liked your suggestion to rephrase the question as: "What is your understanding of the theory of evolution?". I liked this rephrasing because it encourages an evidence-based educational discussion instead of a belief-based discussion; a continual evolution of knowledge rather than become divided on beliefs. It puts more emphasis on one's knowledge of a particular idea and critical thinking and raises the discussions' content to the level it should be at, in discussions about science.
The question "Do you believe in evolution?" makes me wonder if the person asking sees it more as a personal belief rather than a solid scientific idea, which might show they're a bit unsure and think it's something you can agree or disagree with, maybe not realizing it's backed by evidence like fossils and DNA that scientists have studied for years. I'd rephrase it to something like "What evidence can we find that shows how evolution shapes species over time?" because that feels more open and encourages us to dig into the science.
ReplyDeleteHello Jessie, I agree with you that it does make the questioner seem to view the question as more of a personal belief or an opinion rather than a complicated process. I like how you rephrased the question Into how we can track how evolution took place with each species over time as it is able to answer their questions more clearly than how they asked it.
DeleteI appreciate how you stressed in your response the importance that proof is. Your reworded study is a far better way to start a meaningful conversation since it moves the conversation from belief to scientific interest. It truly inspires people to look at the evidence and to understand evolution as a scientifically proven theory.
DeleteIf someone were to ask me, "Do you believe in evolution?" it would be challenging to focus on the question rather than the flaws in their question as evolution has taken place in modern times being both documented and witnessed, however it is reasonable to have questions about early human life and early evolutions that took place leading up until now. The question about "Do you believe in evolution" makes me infer that the questioner thinks it is a yes or no question when it is a far more complex and largely comprehensive answer that would be required in order to respond to them accurately. It would also make me infer that the questioner has beliefs that would likely contradict the idea of evolution coexisting alongside them when that is possibly not the case. A better way to phrase the question possibly would be "What are your thoughts on the Early Humans on Earth and Where we come from?" as Evolution is known to be a natural process of Earth.
ReplyDeleteAsking the question, "Do you believe in evolution" makes it seem as if the questioner themselves views evolution as a matter of ideology instead of scientific research suggesting they are confusing and combing faith and theory showing a lack of understanding in the field of evolution and Anthropology.
ReplyDeleteSimply asking a question like, "what do you think about evolution" would be far better as it simply askes for another opinions similarly to the original question but does not show the misconception of the idea of evolution being anything other than scientific theory.
I truly appreciate how you divided between scientific theory and belief. It's really true that wording is quite important. "Do you believe in evolution?" is a question that can accidentally turn a scientific subject into a personal belief issue. Your revised question seems far more accurate and open.
Delete“Do you believe in evolution?” appears surface-level, not providing enough detail or direction for the person being interviewed. It doesn’t give us much context, understanding, or direction on answering it. From this question alone, we can infer that the questionnaire has a specific view on evolution and does not consider the vast specifics, fields, or varieties in different types of evolution. For instance, by asking about evolution in general, we disregard many sub-evolutionary topics such as divergent, convergent, parallel, and coevolution. For example, one may agree with the divergent evolution shown in life(such as the evolution from a common ancestry shown in Darwin’s finches), but may be skeptical about other types of evolution, such as convergent evolution, and not sure whether or not species can develop similar traits due to ecological pressures. Just asking about evolution on a surface level may not give a clear answer for the person being asked. By formatting the question in a yes-or-no format, we are not giving enough space for the interviewee to expand on their thoughts, but instead have their opinions under a broad umbrella question.
ReplyDeleteA better way to phrase this question would be:
What do you think about evolution?
How do your personal beliefs oppose the idea of evolution?
What are your thoughts on divergent/convergent/parallel evolution?
This way, we can encourage the person being interviewed to expand on their thoughts and create a more direct, specific, and clear question about what they want to be answered, instead of just bringing evolution under this one umbrella term of yes or no. This way, we are stating the specifics of evolution, making space for people with different belief systems, and still being able to help them expand on their thoughts.
I enjoyed how you stated the different types of evolution theory because they can sway someone's answer depending on what they think evolution is. One might not believe in convergent evolution, but agree with divergent evolution. This is necessary in creating a question that the person answering can understand.
DeleteSome significant misunderstandings about evolutionary theory are shown by the question, "Do you believe in evolution?" First of all, the term "believe" indicates that evolution is not a scientific theory supported by plenty of data, but rather a matter of opinion, faith, or personal belief, much like religion. This wording demonstrates a basic knowledge of how science works by implying that evolution is debatable and has no true backing. Evolutionary theory is actually a well-established framework supported by comparative anatomy, genetics, fossil records, and observed natural processes. Additionally, the question suggests that the asker might not fully understand the difference between their own beliefs and scientific theory. A "theory" in science is a thorough explanation of an event supported by data and tried-and-true assumptions, not a guess. "How do you understand the scientific evidence for evolution?" would be a better way to phrase this question. or "How do you feel about the scientific explanation of evolution?" They move the emphasis from belief to knowledge, promoting debate grounded in knowledge and facts rather than subjective beliefs. Instead then framing the subject as an a binary, belief-based problem, they also create opportunities for discussion and clarification.
ReplyDeleteStating how the word belief rather than more concrete words is important in understanding the question of "Do you believe in evolution." Like you said, it makes it appear to be more of a thought than a real theory. Changing this makes the question more open to discussion and valid.
DeleteThe question of "Do you believe in evolution" brings up an array misconceptions. People make it seem as if it is a 2-sided ordeal, whether one believes in a higher power or they believe in everything happening by chance and the wonders of time. Evolution happens on a day to day occurrence albeit small. We can use finches as an example with their beak size varying based on the climate and needs that they must satisfy. So then the answer to the question would be yes. But from a theological viewpoint one would be inclined to say no because of the misconception that evolution is the creation of the worlds species over billions of years. Thus a better way to phrase this question would be a clarifying one such as "Do you side with the theory of evolution being the reason for organic life or a higher power." This not only narrows down the question but also makes it more clear what the questionnaire is trying to say.
ReplyDeleteHello Gavin,
DeleteI really appreciated your thoughtful suggestion regarding the question "Do you believe in evolution?", in that it can be misleading and oversimplify a complex issue. You pointed out a key concern with how many people often misconstrue the idea of evolution to include the notion that believing in a higher power must be incompatible. Your example of finches to frame how a diminished view of evolution may describe small, ongoing changes is a nice way to ground your description specifically to a piece of evidence.
I like that you put forward a rephrased question for discussion, but I think it could even be further refined. "Do you align with evolution (theory) or with a higher power?" may still suggest to some participants that science and religion are not compatible. In fact, many people accept evolutionary theory (and some even suggest that it is consistent with their religious beliefs). Perhaps asking "What is your view of evolutionary theory?" might frame the conversation better in an open manner, and allow science literacy to be more the focus versus an individual's positions.
The phrase "Do you believe in evolution?" usually indicates a serious misunderstanding of the philosophical basis of evolutionary theory and a misunderstanding of how science works. By using the term, the question presents evolution as a matter of personal opinion rather than part of a scientific explanation based on a body of evidence. Science does not involve belief in the manner personal values and opinions do; science is evidence-based. The framing of the question also indicates that the questioner may perceive evolution as being controversial, uncertain, or in opposition to their personal beliefs, and that may indicate a potential misperception about evolution not being well established in the scientific community.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a better question may present itself as: "What is your understanding of evolutionary theory ? or "How does the theory of evolution explain the diversity of life on Earth?" These alternative statements remove the assumption of an act of believing and prompt a more thoughtful, reciprocal discussion. In comparison to belief-based discussion about science, which has limited utility, I am inviting people to give me knowledge not beliefs, which seems to provide a better way to discuss science using evidence, logic and reason. Asking questions in this fashion tends to promote education, and avoids unnecessary conflicts between science and belief systems.