This paper discusses students’ use of anthropomorphic language in science, and in particular calls upon some examples from research into student understanding of chemical bonding. It is argued that anthropomorphic language is common amongst scientists as well as science students. A simple classification of such instances is suggested to distinguish between those examples that are useful in aiding communication and understanding, and those which merely stand in place of such understanding.
International Journal of Science Education
Volume 18, 1996 - Issue 5
![Sample our Education journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5932/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Education.jpg"})
Reprints and Corporate Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:
Academic Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:
If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.
Related Research Data
Upper Secondary Students' Understanding of the Basic Physical Interactions in Analogous Atomic and Solar Systems
Source:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Humanizing and feminizing school science: reviving anthropomorphic and animistic thinking in constructivist science education
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Gender Differences in Science Preferences on Starting Secondary School
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Unpacking the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: A Social Semiotic Analysis of the Disciplinary and Pedagogical Affordances of a Central Resource in Astronomy.
Source:
Uppsala universitet, Fysikundervisningens didaktik
Alternative Conceptions and the Learning of Chemistry
Source:
Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository
Teaching and learning the concept of chemical bonding
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Animism revived.
Source:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Exploring the Characteristics and Diverse Sources of Students' Mental Models of Acids and Bases.
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Student Conceptions of Ionic Bonding: Patterns of Thinking across Three European Contexts.
Source:
Informa UK Limited
Life and Thought
Source:
Cambridge University Press
Girl-friendly physics in the National Curriculum
Source:
IOP Publishing
Intentions and Actions in Molecular Self-Assembly: Perspectives on Students' Language Use.
Source:
Taylor & Francis
Linking provided by
