PERC 2010 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Detecting Differences in Changes to Physics Diagrams |
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| Abstract: | Constructing a useful mental representation of physics situations is integral to success in problem solving. It is known that experts identify/perceive meaningful patterns and/or changes in visual stimuli related to their domain of expertise. We present data from an experiment using the "flicker" technique, in which teaching assistants for introductory physics courses, students who had finished a calculus-based mechanics course, and physics-naïve students viewed nearly identical pairs of diagrams that are representative of typical mechanics situations. The two diagrams in each pair contain a subtle difference that either does, or does not change the underlying physics depicted in the diagram. We present results on how the speed of noticing physics-relevant changes in the diagram pairs depends on physics experience and discuss the cognitive implications of our findings. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Natalie E. Strand Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana, IL 61801 Phone: 217-722-0627 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Jose P. Mestre (Departments of Physics and Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801) |
