Development of a Survey to Assess Conceptual Understanding of Quantum Mechanics among Moroccan Undergraduates

Autor/inn/en	Ait bentaleb, Khalid; Dachraoui, Saddik; Hassouni, Taoufik; Alibrahmi, El mehdi; Chakir, Elmahjoub; Belboukhari, Aimad
Titel	Development of a Survey to Assess Conceptual Understanding of Quantum Mechanics among Moroccan Undergraduates
Quelle	In: European Journal of Educational Research, 11 (2022) 4, S.2219-2243 (25 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Ait bentaleb, Khalid) ORCID (Dachraoui, Saddik) ORCID (Hassouni, Taoufik) ORCID (Alibrahmi, El mehdi) ORCID (Chakir, Elmahjoub)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Scientific Concepts; Concept Formation; Physics; Undergraduate Students; Foreign Countries; Quantum Mechanics; Multiple Choice Tests; Student Attitudes; Reliability; Scores; Difficulty Level; Abstract Reasoning; Teaching Methods; Science Instruction; Prerequisites; Mathematics Skills; Barriers; Morocco + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Concept learning; Begriffsbildung; Physik; Ausland; Quantenmechanik; Multiple choice examinations; Multiple-choice tests, Multiple-choice examinations; Multiple-Choice-Verfahren; Schülerverhalten; Reliabilität; Schwierigkeitsgrad; Abstraktes Denken; Denken; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Voraussetzung; Mathmatics achievement; Mathematics ability; Mathematische Kompetenz; Marokko
Abstract	We developed a Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Understanding Survey (QMCUS) in this study. The survey was conducted using a quantitative methodology. A multiple-choice survey of 35 questions was administered to 338 undergraduate students. Three experienced quantum mechanics instructors examined the validity of the survey. The reliability of our survey was measured using Cronbach's alpha, the Fergusson delta index, the discrimination index, and the point biserial correlation coefficient. These indices showed that the developed survey is reliable. The statistical analysis of the students' results using SPSS shows that the scores obtained by the students have a normal distribution, around the score of 7.14. The results of the t-test show that the students' scores are below the required threshold, which means that it is still difficult for the students to understand the concepts of quantum mechanics. The obtained results allow us to draw some conclusions. The students' difficulties in understanding the quantum concepts are due to the nature of these concepts; they are abstract and counterintuitive. In addition, the learners did not have frequent contact with the subatomic world, which led them to adopt misconceptions. Moreover, students find it difficult to imagine and conceptualize quantum concepts. Therefore, subatomic phenomena are still explained with classical paradigms. Another difficulty is the lack of prerequisites and the difficulties in using the mathematical formalism and its translation into Dirac notation. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Eurasian Society of Educational Research. 7321 Parkway Drive South, Hanover, MD 21076. e-mail: publisher@eu-jer.com; Web site: https://www.eu-jer.com/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01