Pseudoscientific beliefs and media literacy

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between pseudoscientific beliefs and media literacy among pre-service teachers. In this study, a survey method was conducted. The research group consists of 332 pre-service teachers from a state university. Data were collected using two Likert scales, one on media literacy and the other on pseudoscientific beliefs. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics methods. As a result, although pre-service teachers have high media literacy, their pseudoscientific beliefs are also high. Pseudo-medical beliefs increase significantly as media literacy increases. However, it has no significant correlation with pseudo-physical and pseudo-predictive beliefs. Also, as dependency and confidence in the media increase, all types of pseudoscientific beliefs decrease.

KEYWORDS:

• Media literacy
• pseudo-science
• teacher training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical statement

This study complies with research and publication ethics. Data were collected in a manner that respected ethical practices and research on human subjects. Ethical approval to report this case was obtained from Gazi University Ethical Committee.