Science teacher's perceptions of the nature of technology: a Q-methodology study

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore science teachers' perceptions of the nature of technology through the use of Q methodology. 17 science teachers were sampled as participants, and to explore their perceptions of the nature of technology, they ranked a Q-sort of 36 statements that constituted the following six categories: (i) definition of technology, (ii) the relationship between science and technology, (iii) the impact of society on technology, (iv) the impact of technology on society, (v) the impact of technology on environment, and (vi) the impact of technology on economy. As the participants completed their Q-sort, they were interviewed. Analysis of the participants' Q-sorts resulted in a three-factor solution, i.e. three distinct patterns of perception about the nature of technology. The three perspectives included teachers who are (i) equally aware of the benefits and drawbacks of technology and the relation of it to science, (ii) optimist about technology and aware of its dependence on society, and (iii) optimist about technological innovations but tempered by technology-driven environmental and social issues. Findings indicated gender and years of professional experience as potential determiners within these perspectives, which needs further research.