The Effect of Media in Developing Student’s Images of Scientists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between student perceptions of scientists and the TV shows commonly watched by students. This study looked at 119 6^th grade students and their perceptions of scientists compared to the TV shows, containing scientists, which were most watched by these participants. Students were first asked to perform the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST) in order to define the perceptions these students held of scientists. Students then completed a checklist to determine the most watched shows among the participants. The eight most watched shows were scored using the Video Scientist Checklist (VSC). The resulting scores for the DAST and VSC will be compared to establish if a correlation exists between student perceptions and the scientists portrayed in TV shows commonly watched by these students. The results of this study may verify a correlation and provide insight into the origin of these perceptions in today’s students.