Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems
Meta-Representational Competence (MRC) is a theoretical framework that is used to analyze how people create and interact with external representations. Within Quantum Mechanics, problems may be approached or perceived differently based on the notation used (either Dirac, Matrix, or Spinor notation) in the problem statement or by the person working on the problem. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to present physics students with change of basis content problems in the context of Quantum Mechanics. These content questions were paired with MRC-focused follow-up questions for the explicit purpose of asking students about MRC concepts directly. Student statements were coded to confirm previously identified MRC concepts and to identify MRC concepts that are novel to this data. Our analysis of three student interviews demonstrates an array of MRC concepts, the usefulness of asking direct questions about MRC concepts as part of an interview, and solidifies MRC as a useful lens for investigating student thinking.
Physical Review Physics Education Research: Volume 22, Issue 1
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I. Malik and W. Christensen, Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems, Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 22 (1), (2026), <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228>.
Malik, I., & Christensen, W. (2026, January 20). Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems. Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res., 22(1). Retrieved March 7, 2026, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228
Malik, Idris, and Warren M. Christensen. "Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems." Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 22, no. 1, (January 20, 2026), https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228 (accessed 7 March 2026).
Malik, Idris, and Warren M. Christensen. "Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems." Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 22.1 (2026). 7 Mar. 2026 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228>.
@article{
Author = "Idris Malik and Warren M. Christensen",
Title = {Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems},
Journal = {Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res.},
Volume = {22},
Number = {1},
Month = {January},
Year = {2026}
}
%A Idris Malik %A Warren M. Christensen %T Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems %J Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. %V 22 %N 1 %D January 20, 2026 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228 %O application/pdf %0 Journal Article %A Malik, Idris %A Christensen, Warren M. %D January 20, 2026 %T Meta-Representational Competence in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems %J Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. %V 22 %N 1 %8 January 20, 2026 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=17228 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.
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