Causal mapping
Causal mapping helps us reflect on the interdependent relationships within complex systems
LiteratureBase
Causal mapping as a teaching tool for reflecting on causation in human evolution
Hanisch, S. & Eirdosh, D. (2020). Causal mapping as a teaching tool for reflecting on causation in human evolution. Science & Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-020-00157-z
Abstract
- Teleological reasoning is viewed as a major hurdle to evolution education, and yet, eliciting, interpreting, and reflecting upon teleological language presents an arguably greater challenge to the evolution educator and researcher. This article argues that making explicit the role of behavior as a causal factor in the evolution of particular traits may prove productive in helping students to link their everyday experience of behavior to evolutionary changes in populations in ways congruent with scientific perspectives. We present a teaching tool, used widely in other parts of science and science education, yet perhaps underutilized in human evolution education—the causal map—as a novel direction for driving conceptual change in the classroom about the role of organism behavior and other factors in evolutionary change. We describe the scientific and conceptual basis for using such causal maps in human evolution education, as well as theoretical considerations for implementing the causal mapping tool in human evolution classrooms. Finally, we offer considerations for future research and educational design.
- Publication Type OpenEvo Publication
- Concepts Complex systems, Cooperation, Cultural evolution, Evolution Education, Human Behavior, Teleology
- Relevant subject areas Biology, Human Evolution, Interdisciplinary
- Relevant research methods Knowledge synthesis, Teaching experiment
- Relevant projects OpenEvo
