written by
Fred Goldberg and Lillian C. McDermott
Student understanding of the real images produced by converging lenses and concave mirrors was investigated both before and after instruction in geometrical optics. The primary data were gathered through interviews in which undergraduates taking introductory physics were asked to perform a set of prescribed tasks based on a simple demonstration. The criterion used to assess understanding was the ability to apply appropriate concepts and principles, including ray diagrams, to predict and explain image formation by an actual lens or mirror. Performance on the tasks, especially by students who had not had college instruction in geometrical optics, suggested the presence of certain naive conceptions. Students who had just completed the study of geometrical optics in their physics courses were frequently unable to relate the concepts, principles, and ray-tracing techniques that had been taught in class to an actual physical system consisting of an object, a lens or a mirror, and a screen. Many students did not seem to understand the function of the lens, mirror, or screen, nor the uniqueness of the relationship among the components of the optical system. Difficulties in drawing and interpreting ray diagrams indicated inadequate understanding of the concept of a light ray and its graphical representation.
American Journal of Physics: Volume 55, Issue 2, Pages 108-119
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<a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=2243">Goldberg, Fred, and Lillian C. McDermott. "An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror." Am. J. Phys. 55, no. 2, (February 1, 1987): 108-119.</a>
AIP Format
F. Goldberg and L. McDermott, , Am. J. Phys. 55 (2), 108 (1987), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254).
AJP/PRST-PER
F. Goldberg and L. McDermott, An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror, Am. J. Phys. 55 (2), 108 (1987), <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254>.
APA Format
Goldberg, F., & McDermott, L. (1987, February 1). An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror. Am. J. Phys., 55(2), 108-119. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254
Chicago Format
Goldberg, Fred, and Lillian C. McDermott. "An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror." Am. J. Phys. 55, no. 2, (February 1, 1987): 108-119, https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254 (accessed 4 November 2024).
MLA Format
Goldberg, Fred, and Lillian C. McDermott. "An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror." Am. J. Phys. 55.2 (1987): 108-119. 4 Nov. 2024 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254>.
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@article{
Author = "Fred Goldberg and Lillian C. McDermott",
Title = {An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror},
Journal = {Am. J. Phys.},
Volume = {55},
Number = {2},
Pages = {108-119},
Month = {February},
Year = {1987}
}
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%A Fred Goldberg %A Lillian C. McDermott %T An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror %J Am. J. Phys. %V 55 %N 2 %D February 1, 1987 %P 108-119 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254 %O text/html
EndNote Export Format
%0 Journal Article %A Goldberg, Fred %A McDermott, Lillian C. %D February 1, 1987 %T An investigation of student understanding of the real image formed by a converging lens or concave mirror %J Am. J. Phys. %V 55 %N 2 %P 108-119 %8 February 1, 1987 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15254 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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