How Small Changes Make a Big Difference in Life Cycle Diagrams (IMAGE)
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A new study finds simple design changes in life cycle diagrams can have a dramatic impact on the ability of students to understand key biology concepts. For the study, students were given one of three different life cycle diagrams (shown here). One is cyclical and shows an organism with one offspring; one is cyclical and shows an organism with multiple offspring; one is linear and shows an organism with multiple offspring. The students were then given a test on evolution and offspring survival. The study found that students who received the linear diagram with multiple offspring performed best and were able to answer 54.5% of the test questions correctly. Students who received the cyclical diagram with one offspring scored worst, answering only 26.1% of the questions correctly.
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Jennifer Landin, North Carolina State University
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