Dr. Keith S. Taber
Publication:
Taber, K. S. and Watts, M. (1996)
The secret life of the chemical bond: students’ anthropomorphic
and animistic references to bonding
International Journal of Science Education, 18 (5), pp.557-568.
Abstract:
This paper discusses students’ use of anthropomorphic
language in science, and in particular calls upon some examples from on-going
research into student understanding of chemical bonding. We argue that anthropomorphic
language is common amongst scientists as well as science learners. A simple
classification of such instances is suggested to distinguish those examples
that are useful in aiding communication and understanding, and those which
merely stand in place of such understanding.