Perceptions of Psychology Among Seminary and Biology Students at Andrews University

117 Pages·2016·0.89 MB·English

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Master's Theses Graduate Research
2013
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Sandro Moraes
Andrews University
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ABSTRACT

PERCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY AMONG SEMINARY AND
BIOLOGY STUDENTS AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

by
Sandro Moraes

Chair: Elvin Gabriel
ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH

Thesis

Andrews University

School of Education
Title: PERCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY AMONG SEMINARY AND
BIOLOGY STUDENTS AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

Name of researcher: Sandro Moraes

Name and degree of faculty chair: Elvin Gabriel, Ed.D.

Date completed: July 2013

Problem
Both pastors and biologists frequently interact with individuals. These contacts
often involve conversations that deal with an individual’s feelings, behaviors, and the
relationship between mind and body. Thus, how seminarians and biologists perceive
psychology will greatly affect such interactions. Therefore it is important to know how
both professionals perceive psychology.
This is not all that different from the research biologists perform as they learn
about the brain. Because of the interrelatedness between these two professions, what are
the perceptions of psychology among seminary and biology students at Andrews
University?
Method
The data gathered from the responses of biology and seminary students at
Andrews University to the Perceptions of Psychology Questionnaire were analyzed
through the SPSS statistical procedures. Descriptive statistics tables are provided to show
measures of central tendency and variability of perceptions of psychology.

Results
The results showed that the participants’ educational background and
demographics played a role in their perceptions of psychology. Seminary students were
older, and had a much higher exposure to the writings of Ellen G. White and church
teachings on psychology. Biology students, as a group, were much younger, and lacked
the background in these areas. Answers given reflected these differences.

Conclusions
The results showed that there are significant differences among those two groups
in their: positive beliefs about psychology, positive affect about psychology, exposure to
the writings of Ellen G. White on psychology, knowledge about the writings of Ellen G.
White on psychology, knowledge about the writings of Adventist writers on psychology,
and in how comfortable they felt seeking psychological services.
Respondents in both groups also tended to have similar answers to the questions
relating to: understanding the mind using psychology, using psychology to help
understand mankind, and explaining human behavior using theories of psychology.
Andrews University
School of Education

PERCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY AMONG SEMINARY AND
BIOLOGY STUDENTS AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

A Thesis
Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Arts

by
Sandro Moraes
July 2013
©Copyright by Sandro Moraes 2013
All Rights Reserved
PERCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY AMONG SEMINARY AND
BIOLOGY STUDENTS AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

A thesis
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Master of Arts

by
Sandro Moraes

APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE:

Elvin Gabriel, Ed.D., Chair

Silas Bruscagin Marques, Ph.D.

Rudolph Bailey, Ph.D. Date approved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ...............................................................................................................v

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. vi

Chapter
I. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................1

Research on Seminarians’ Perceptions of Psychology ..............................4
Research on Biologists’ Perceptions of Psychology ..................................7
Statement of the Problem ...........................................................................8
Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................9
General Research Questions ......................................................................9
Importance of the Study ...........................................................................10
Rationale for the Study ............................................................................10
Definition of Terms..................................................................................11
II. LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................13
Purpose of Literature Review ..................................................................13
Sources of Material ..................................................................................13
Origins of Psychology..............................................................................13
Origins of Theology .................................................................................16
Origins of Biology ...................................................................................18
The Relationship Between Theology and Psychology: Perceptions and
Challenges ......................................................................................21
Integrating Psychology Into Seminary Programs at Tertiary-Level
Institutions......................................................................................24
The Relationship Between Psychology and Biology: Perceptions and
Challenges ......................................................................................25
Integrating Psychology Into Tertiary-Level Institutions ..........................28
The Impact of SDA Beliefs About Psychology on the Perceptions of
Psychology Among Believers/Adherents ......................................30
Ellen G. White’s Views on Psychology .........................................31
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Official Stance on
Psychology ...........................................................................33
Writings of SDA Authors About Psychology ................................36
Possible Impact of SDA Beliefs About Science on the Perceptions of
Andrews University Seminarians ..................................................38
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Possible Impact of SDA Beliefs on Andrews University SDA Biology
Students’ Attitudes Toward Psychology ........................................40
III. METHODOLOGY ..........................................................................................43
Research Design.......................................................................................43
Population and Sample ............................................................................43
Procedures ...............................................................................................44
Specific Research Questions ....................................................................44
Null Hypotheses .......................................................................................45
Variables of Study....................................................................................45
Instrumentation ........................................................................................46
Data Collection ........................................................................................46
Data Analysis ...........................................................................................47
IV. DATA ANALYSIS RESULTS ......................................................................48
Sample Description ..................................................................................48
Hypothesis Testing...................................................................................56
V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND FUTURE
STUDIES .......................................................................................................71

Summary ..................................................................................................71
Conclusions ..............................................................................................72
Limitations of the Study...........................................................................79
Directions for Future Research ................................................................79
Appendix
A. LETTER ...........................................................................................................80
B. INFORMED CONSENT .................................................................................81
C. VARIABLE MATRIX.....................................................................................83
D. SURVEY..........................................................................................................92
E. ANALYSIS MATRIX .....................................................................................97
REFERENCE LIST ..........................................................................................................99

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