Undergraduate Students' Attitudes toward Biodiversity

The study investigated American and Taiwan undergraduate students' attitudes toward biodiversity. The survey questionnaire consisted of statements prompted by the question "To what extent do you agree with the following statements about problems with the biodiversity issues." Students indicated strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree, or no opinion. The questionnaire inquired students' awareness of biodiversity and the impact of human activity on biodiversity. The students' attitudes were analyzed by frequency of response and average value of response. The t-test was conducted to examine the difference among students of different backgrounds. The results showed that both American and Taiwan undergraduate students had consensus that they expressed lower level of confidence in the ability of science and technology to solve biodiversity problems, and they did not agree that people worry too much about the problem of biodiversity issue. There were also significant differences between different groups (gender, with or without experience of conservation activities). Understanding students' attitudes is important for educators to plan curriculum and instruction.