Confidently Wrong: Accuracy and Confidence in Judging Common Science Myths Among Students and Young Adults —Sheezan Mirza

This study examines how accurately students and young adults identify common science myths and how confident they feel about their answers. Using an online survey of 27 respondents and 20 true-or-false science statements, the research found that participants answered 66.5% of questions correctly on average, while 76.2% of incorrect answers were given with high confidence. The findings highlight the importance of critical thinking, checking scientific evidence, and questioning familiar beliefs. This preliminary study has not been peer reviewed.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-10-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23721268
Primary Topic
Science Education and Pedagogy
Type
preprint
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preprint

Confidently Wrong: Accuracy and Confidence in Judging Common Science Myths Among Students and Young Adults —Sheezan Mirza

Mirza Sheezan Baig
1 links
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Science Education and Pedagogy
preprint

Confidently Wrong: Accuracy and Confidence in Judging Common Science Myths Among Students and Young Adults —Sheezan Mirza

Mirza Sheezan Baig
preprint en

Abstract

This study examines how accurately students and young adults identify common science myths and how confident they feel about their answers. Using an online survey of 27 respondents and 20 true-or-false science statements, the research found that participants answered 66.5% of questions correctly on average, while 76.2% of incorrect answers were given with high confidence. The findings highlight the importance of critical thinking, checking scientific evidence, and questioning familiar beliefs. This preliminary study has not been peer reviewed.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Quality education
Science Education and Pedagogy
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Confidently Wrong: Accuracy and Confidence in Judging Common Science Myths Among Students and Young Adults —Sheezan Mirza — Mirza Sheezan Baig · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS