ERIC Number: EJ1036968
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1554-9178
EISSN: N/A
Test of Understanding of Vectors: A Reliable Multiple-Choice Vector Concept Test
Barniol, Pablo; Zavala, Genaro
Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research, v10 n1 p010121-1-010121-14 Jan-Jun 2014
In this article we discuss the findings of our research on students' understanding of vector concepts in problems without physical context. First, we develop a complete taxonomy of the most frequent errors made by university students when learning vector concepts. This study is based on the results of several test administrations of open-ended problems in which a total of 2067 students participated. Using this taxonomy, we then designed a 20-item multiple-choice test [Test of understanding of vectors (TUV)] and administered it in English to 423 students who were completing the required sequence of introductory physics courses at a large private Mexican university. We evaluated the test's content validity, reliability, and discriminatory power. The results indicate that the TUV is a reliable assessment tool. We also conducted a detailed analysis of the students' understanding of the vector concepts evaluated in the test. The TUV is included in the Supplemental Material as a resource for other researchers studying vector learning, as well as instructors teaching the material.
Descriptors: Multiple Choice Tests, Geometric Concepts, Algebra, Psychometrics, Test Reliability, Test Validity, Item Analysis, Science Tests, Physics, Achievement Tests, Taxonomy, Error Patterns, Difficulty Level, Concept Teaching, Evaluation Methods, Introductory Courses, College Science, Foreign Countries, College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mexico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A