Responses to anomalous data on controversial topics and theory change

Investigated the role of anomalous data on controversial topics in the process of theory change. 126 8th grade students (aged 13.5-14.2 yrs) read texts and answered questions concerning theories about the extinction of dinosaurs and the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. Results show that the meteor impact theory of dinosaur extinction and the classic theory of the pyramids were the theories initially held by Ss. 24 categories were identified as reasons for accepting or not accepting anomalous data about the theories. Most Ss found it easier to change their theory about the extinction of dinosaurs than their theory about the pyramids.