The development of an instrument used for revealing the values discussions about the ethical issues emerging from the application of biological sciences

The aim of this study is to develop a ?Bioethical Values Instrument? to be used for revealing the values which the secondary school students consider while they are deciding about the ethical issues which emerge from the application of biological sciences. In accordance with the targets of the research, an original instrument developing method which is established by Keskin Samancı (2009), consisting of qualitative and quantitative data collection strategies was used. Within the frame of this method, literature review related to ?environmental ethics and biodiversity, euthanasia, reproductive technology, organ transplantation and organ donation? was done primarily at the 1st stage. Titles to be covered within the instrument were determined through researchers' and teachers' opinions. At the 2nd stage, draft scenarios in the form of ethical dilemmas were prepared about each title. Open ended questions were added to the end of the scenarios in order to put forth the values, attitudes and opinions which the students concern while deciding about the issues. At the 3rd step, the scenarios, were administered to the total 569 9th grade students of secondary education. The equal representation of the schools having different socio-economic parameters in Ankara region-wide was targeted, State Planning Organization (SPO)?s data were used. So, in total 8 towns representing 4 different development levels, 11 regular and 8 Anatolian high-schools were included in the study. During the study, in addition to the scenarios ?Knowledge Test? and ?Personal Knowledge Survey? were also applied to reveal the students? basic knowledge on this area and demographic information.The answers the students gave to the open ended questions were examined using content analysis strategies of the qualitative data analyzing techniques and in accordance with the thematic coding; the instrument was transformed to a multiple choice form. At the 4th step, the expert and student opinions were consulted about the multiple choice instrument form and the instrument was finalized. In the result section, the importance of the ?Bioethical Values Instrument? was discussed within the bioethics education and application-oriented suggestions were made.Key Words: Biology and Science Education, Bioethics Education, Socioscientific Issues in Science Education, Ethics and Moral Education, Value Education, Ethical Dilemmas, Scale Development.