The influence of gender, ethnicity and rurality upon perceptions of science

Abstract

This paper reports an investigation into gender, ethnicity and rurality on Fijian students’ perceptions of science. A questionnaire was administered to a large sample of Form 5 classes. All students had completed a four year integrated "Basic Science" course in the junior secondary school and were continuing their studies in the upper secondary school. The responses were analysed to determine the significance of gender, ethnicity and rurality on the students’ perceptions of science, attitudes to science in the world and to science in the school curriculum.