login - create an account - help
|
Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory
This study investigates how strong an interest in theoretical and computational physics develops among undergraduate physics majors. While broad exposure to theoretical, computational, and experimental methods is essential for supporting students' career decision-making in physics, curricular and institutional barriers often limit these opportunities. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory, we examined how strong interest develops by analyzing interviews with 18 physics majors, focusing on 10 who showed the highest interest in theoretical or computational methods. Using causal maps, we identified key influences on interest developments, including self-directed learning, coursework, mentorship, and early research exposure. Outcome expectations, like enjoying math or seeking practical skills, also shaped interest. These findings can guide departments in refining curricula and advising to better support student exploration and interest formation across theoretical and computational physics.
Physics Education Research Conference 2025
Part of the PER Conference series Washington, DC: August 6-7, 2025 Pages 460-465
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=17183">Zohrabi Alaee, D, N. Noughani, K. Tonry, and B. Zwickl. "Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory." Paper presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2025, Washington, DC, August 6-7, 2025.</a>
AIP Format
D. Zohrabi Alaee, N. Noughani, K. Tonry, and B. Zwickl, , presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2025, Washington, DC, 2025, WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111).
AJP/PRST-PER
D. Zohrabi Alaee, N. Noughani, K. Tonry, and B. Zwickl, Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2025, Washington, DC, 2025, <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111>.
APA Format
Zohrabi Alaee, D., Noughani, N., Tonry, K., & Zwickl, B. (2025, August 6-7). Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory. Paper presented at Physics Education Research Conference 2025, Washington, DC. Retrieved November 8, 2025, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111
Chicago Format
Zohrabi Alaee, D, N. Noughani, K. Tonry, and B. Zwickl. "Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory." Paper presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2025, Washington, DC, August 6-7, 2025. https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111 (accessed 8 November 2025).
MLA Format
Zohrabi Alaee, Dina, Nikki Noughani, Keegan Shea Tonry, and Benjamin Zwickl. "Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory." Physics Education Research Conference 2025. Washington, DC: 2025. 460-465 of PER Conference. 8 Nov. 2025 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111>.
BibTeX Export Format
@inproceedings{
Author = "Dina Zohrabi Alaee and Nikki Noughani and Keegan Shea Tonry and Benjamin Zwickl",
Title = {Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory},
BookTitle = {Physics Education Research Conference 2025},
Pages = {460-465},
Address = {Washington, DC},
Series = {PER Conference},
Month = {August 6-7},
Year = {2025}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Dina Zohrabi Alaee %A Nikki Noughani %A Keegan Shea Tonry %A Benjamin Zwickl %T Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory %S PER Conference %D August 6-7 2025 %P 460-465 %C Washington, DC %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111 %O Physics Education Research Conference 2025 %O August 6-7 %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Conference Proceedings %A Zohrabi Alaee, Dina %A Noughani, Nikki %A Tonry, Keegan Shea %A Zwickl, Benjamin %D August 6-7 2025 %T Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory %B Physics Education Research Conference 2025 %C Washington, DC %P 460-465 %S PER Conference %8 August 6-7 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17183&DocID=6111 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. Exploring High Interest in Theoretical and Computational Physics Among Undergraduates Through Social Cognitive Career Theory:Know of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
ContributeRelated MaterialsSimilar Materials |
Save to my folders