At the qualitative level, we closely examined the individual questionnaires and the interviews.
This examination showed some sort of a trend where many of the participants who
elucidated informed understanding of NOS aspects also showed more developed argumentation
skills. Following are some selected quotes that illustrate the pattern as well as represent a
variety of student voices. For example, participant S171 explained that scientists look at the
same data about genetically modified food with different perspectives depending on their
prior experiences, background knowledge, and culture. This view reflected an informed understanding
of the subjective aspect of NOS. When responding to the item addressing his
argument about this controversial issue, this participant generated a developed argument that
had a valid justification supported by more than one reason: