Exploring the Efficacy of Using Augmented Reality to Alleviate Common Misconceptions about Natural Selection

• Other Authors: Henry, Matthew McClellan (Author)
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Educational technology; Augmented Reality; Misconceptions; Mixed Reality; Natural Selection
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.54933

abstract: Evidence suggests that Augmented Reality (AR) may be a powerful tool for alleviating certain, lightly held scientific misconceptions. However, many misconceptions surrounding the theory of evolution are deeply held and resistant to change. This study examines whether AR can serve as an effective tool for alleviating these misconceptions by comparing the change in the number of misconceptions expressed by users of a tablet-based version of a well-established classroom simulation to the change in the number of misconceptions expressed by users of AR versions of the simulation. The use of realistic representations of objects is common for many AR developers. However, this contradicts well-tested practices of multimedia design that argue against the addition of unnecessary elements. This study also compared the use of representational visualizations in AR, in this case, models of ladybug beetles, to symbolic representations, in this case, colored circles. To address both research questions, a one-factor, between-subjects experiment was conducted with 189 participants randomly assigned to one of three conditions: non AR, symbolic AR, and representational AR. Measures of change in the number and types of misconceptions expressed, motivation, and time on task were examined using a pair of planned orthogonal contrasts designed to test the study’s two research questions. Participants in the AR-based condition showed a significantly smaller change in the number of total misconceptions expressed after the treatment as well as in the number of misconceptions related to intentionality; none of the other misconceptions examined showed a significant difference. No significant differences were found in the total number of misconceptions expressed between participants in the representative and symbolic AR-based conditions, or on motivation. Contrary to the expectation that the simulation would alleviate misconceptions, the average change in the number of misconceptions expressed by participants increased. This is theorized to be due to the juxtaposition of virtual and real-world entities resulting in a reduction in assumed intentionality. === Dissertation/Thesis === Doctoral Dissertation Educational Technology 2019