Percepção da comunidade acadêmica sobre o tema evolução biológica em uma universidade do Sertão Paraibano.

Abstract

Evolution is a central theme in biology. In Brazil, official documents ensure its discussion at school. Research performed on this subject has grown over the years but most studies have been strongly concentrated on the South and Southeast regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the academic community‟s perception towards the theme biological evolution at the Cajazeiras campus of the Federal University of Campina Grande, and the underlying factors responsible for the observed patterns. A questionnaire was applied to collect data from students, professors and employees from the institution. The majority of interviewees claimed to have had at least a partial experience with the subject matter, to accept the seriousness of the theory, and to accept fossils as evidence of evolution. However, the answers suggested that evolution was wrongly perceived as a process promoting progress and improvement of organisms. Finally, we found that education, religiosity, past experience with the theme and socioeconomic status were important factors determining the acceptance of biological evolution. Aiming to increase the access, and quality, to the theme, it is strongly important that professors have an adequate formation, and that the population be informed by means of alternative medias with sound scientific backgrounds.