Problems with the use of terminology in genetics education: 1, A literature review and classification scheme

Abstract

At a time when interest in genetics is high and genetics education is believed to be an integral part of any general biology course, much scientific literature has been devoted to the problems both of teaching and learning the subject. In this, the first of two papers, the authors examine one source of confusion and error— the technical vocabulary of genetics. Developing the work of other authors, they suggest that, in order to deal, effectively, with these difficulties it is necessary to identify the different types of problem associated with terminology and to organize these into logical classes. In doing so they highlight many terms which are currently misused in textbooks used by A-level pupils in Great Britain. This classification is then used in their second paper to analyse the genetics sections in some popular A-level textbooks with respect to their use of genetics terminology.