Appendix

The instrument My Views of Models in Science used in the study.

Statement

1) Models and modelling in science are important in understanding science. Models are: a) Representations of ideas or how things work. b) Accurate duplicates of reality.

2) Scientific ideas can be explained by: a) One model only, — any other model would simply be wrong. b) One model, — but there could be many other models to explain the ideas.

3) When scientists use models and modelling in science to investigate a phenomenon, they may: a) Use only one model to explain scientific phenomena. b) Use many models to explain scientific phenomena.

4) When a new model is proposed for a new scientific theory, scientists must decide whether or not to accept it. Their decision is: a) Based on the facts that support the model and the theory. b) Influenced by their personal feelings or motives.

5) The acceptance of a new scientific model: a) Requires support by a large majority of scientists. b) Occurs when it can be used successfully to explain results.

6) Scientific models are built up over a long period of time through the work of many scientists, in their attempts to understand scientific phenomenon. Because of this scientific models: a) Will not change in future years. b) May change in future years.