A Comparison of Scientism, Religious Tendencies, and Social Capital in Two Fields (University- Seminary Students) during the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Aim: The present research aimed to compare scientism, the levels of religious tendencies, and social capital in two fields (university- seminary students) in Tehran during the COVID-19 era in 2019. Methods: The research was applied in terms of purpose and had a descriptive-comparative design. The statistical population consisted of all students at IRIB University (n=756) and the Islamic Seminary of Qom (n=350), among whom 175 university students and 110 seminary students were selected as the samples using the convenience sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, and the obtained data were analyzed based on the independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: There was a significant difference between the two fields (university- seminary students) in terms of scientism (t=5.41, P<0.01), social capital (t=-9.62, P<0.01), and religious tendencies (t=7.93, P<0.01) in a way that the levels of scientism and social capital were higher in university students than in seminary students and the level of religious tendencies was higher in seminary students than university students (P=0.05). Conclusion: Given the significant difference between seminary and university students in scientism, the levels of religious tendencies, and social capital in the crisis, and the constructive interaction between science and religion, it is concluded that science and religion can have an effective interaction in social crises.