written by Chrystin Green and Gina Passante

In this study we use the ACER framework to investigate how students perform the expectation value in quantum mechanics. Students were given an exam question that required the use of the generalized uncertainty principle to find the lower bound of &del;A&del;B for different angular momentum operators. This question requires students to use several mathematical tools, but in this study we focus on the expectation value. The data are analyzed using the ACER framework and we give special attention to students' choice of mathematical representation. Of the four components in the ACER framework (activation, construction, execution, and reflection), we find that in our question the activation step presents the largest stumbling block for students. We also discuss the limitations of the ACER framework for this type of investigation.

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Last Modified February 26, 2018

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