Understanding and Acceptance of Evolutionary Theory Among Turkish University Students = Türk üniversite rencileri Aras nda Evrim Teorisini Anlama ve Kabul Etme

Acceptance level of evolutionary theory and factors predicting it were examined among Psychology majors from Do u University and Bah e ehir University (N=99). About half of the students accepted evolutionary theory, which is a higher percentage than in previous reports. Positive attitudes towards science and parents’ education were positively correlated with acceptance whereas religiosity was negatively correlated. Understanding of evolutionary theory was surprisingly low. Understanding the theory and understanding the nature of science were unrelated to acceptance. Recommendations are made to improve the teaching of evolutionary theory.