Data Description File

This datafile contains data for students at Point Loma Nazarene University in a biology and theology class.  Students were administered the Generalized Acceptance of EvolutioN Evaluation [GAENE; Smith, MU, Snyder SW, & Devereaux, RS. (2016). The GAENEÑGeneralized Acceptance of EvolutionN Evaluation:  Development of a New Measure of Evolution Acceptance.  Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 53(9), 1289-1315.] at the beginning of the semester and at the end.  Students were also administered a 15-question religiosity measure as described in Lindsay, J., Arok, A., Bybee, S. M., Cho, W., Cordero, A. M., Ferguson, D. GÉ.Jensen, J.L. (2019). Using a reconciliation model leads to large gains in evolution acceptance. CBE-Life Sciences Education. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.19-04-0080.  

Both instruments are included below.  

This table indicates the data in each column:
Column
Title
Data Source
A
Participant
Participant number
B
Course
Theology or Biology Course
C
Semester
Semester in which data was collected
D
PreGAENE
Composite score for GAENE given at beginning of semester*
E
PostGAENE
Composite score for GAENE given at end of semester
F
PreRElPrac
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Practice given at the beginning of the semester
G
PreRelInfl
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Influence given at the beginning of the semester
H
PreRelHope
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Hope given at the beginning of the semester
I
PreReligiosity
Composite of all 15 items given at the beginning of the semester
J
PostRelPrac
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Practice given at the end of the semester
K
PostRelInfl
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Influence given at the end of the semester
L
PostRelHope
Composite score of 5 items related to Religious Hope given at the end of the semester
M
PostReligiosity
Composite of all 15 items given at the end of the semester

* All Likert scores converted to numbers and added; higher numbers equate to higher agreement with the item

Instruments used:

Generalized Acceptance of EvolutioN Evaluation (GAENE)
Smith, MU, Snyder SW, & Devereaux, RS. (2016). The GAENEÑGeneralized Acceptance of EvolutionN Evaluation:  Development of a New Measure of Evolution Acceptance.  Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 53(9), 1289-1315.

Please answer the following statements using the scale below:  
1=Strongly disagree, 2=disagree, 3=I donÕt know/no opinion, 4=Agree, 5=Strongly agree

1. Everyone should understand evolution. ?
2. It is important to let people know about how strong the evidence that supports evolution is. ?
3. Some parts of evolution theory could be true. ?
4. Evolutionary theory applies to all plants and animals, including humans. ?
5. People who plan to become biologists need to understand evolution. 
6. I would be willing to argue in favor of evolution in a public forum such as a school club, church group, or meeting of public school parents. ?
7. Simple organisms such as bacteria change over time. ?
8. Nothing in biology makes sense without evolution. ?
9. Understanding evolution helps me understand the other parts of biology. ?
10. I would be willing to argue in favor of evolution in a small group of friends. ?
11. Evolution is a good explanation of how humans first emerged on the earth. ?
12. Evolution is a scientific fact. ?
13. Evolution is a good explanation of how new species arise. ?

Measure of Religiosity

Q2.4 (RELIGIOUS PRACTICE) Please select the response that you feel is most like you:

More than once a day
Once a day
More than once a week
Once a week
More than once a month
Less than once a month
How often do you read holy scriptures?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How often do you attend Sunday School, religious classes or seminars?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How often do you pray?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How often do you attend organized worship services?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How often do you attend other activities sponsored by a religious group?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 




Q2.5 (RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE) Please select the response that you feel is most like you:
*If you do you not belong to a religion, answer the questions regarding your current worldview. Ê

No influence at all
Hardly any influence
Some influence
Moderate influence
A lot of influence
Extreme influence
How much influence do your religious beliefs have on what you wear?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How much influence do your religious beliefs have on what you eat and drink?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How much influence do your religious beliefs have on your choices about whom you associate with?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
How much influence do your religious beliefs have on what social activities you undertake?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
To what extent do your religious beliefs impact the important decisions that you make?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 




Q2.6 (RELIGIOUS HOPE) Please select the response that you feel is most like you:

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Somewhat Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Do you believe there is a heaven?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Do you believe it is possible for all humans to live in harmony together?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Do you believe in miracles?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Do you believe your suffering will be rewarded?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Do you believe that in the future your children will be able to lead a better life than yourself?
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
*