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Introduction and Definitions
The introduction contains the title page, abstract, acknowledgments, motivation for the work, its overview, and term definitions.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.
This file has previous versions.
Chapter 1: Literature Review
Chapter 1 provides an extensive literature review of problem solving in
physics, math, education, and cognitive science.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.
This file has previous versions.
Chapter 2: Simulation Interviews and Studies
Chapter 2 contains information about studies involving the PhET Interactive Simulations and presents design guidelines for simulation interfaces.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.
Chapter 3: CLASS
Chapter 3 contains information on the development and validation of the Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey (CLASS) for physics.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.
Chapter 4: Problem Solving
Chapter 4 describes the work done by the author to develop and validate the Colorado Assessment of Problem Solving (CAPS). This problem solving evaluation tool identifies 44 separate skills (skills) necessary for solving problems. Rigorous validation studies, including work with an independent interviewer, show the skills identified by this content-free evaluation tool are the same skills that students use to solve problems in mechanics and quantum mechanics. A discussion is included about how this work extends what is currently understood about the skills that students use to solve problems and which of these skills are applicable in other disciplines. Understanding this set of component skills will help teachers and researchers address problem solving within the classroom.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.
Annotated Bibliography
This annotated bibliography covers all chapters of the dissertation, including the problem-solving in physics, math, education and cognitive science.
Released under a © Wendy K. Adams
Published January 12, 2008
Last Modified March 24, 2010
This file is included in the full-text index.