Testing the development of student conceptual and visualization understanding in quantum mechanics through the undergraduate career

E. Cataloglu, R. W. Robinett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

116 Scopus citations

Abstract

In order to probe various aspects of student understanding of some of the core ideas of quantum mechanics, and especially how they develop over the undergraduate curriculum, we have developed an assessment instrument designed to test conceptual and visualization understanding in quantum theory. We report data obtained from students ranging from sophomore-level modern physics courses, through junior-senior level quantum theory classes, to first year graduate quantum mechanics courses in what may be the first such study of the development of student understanding in this important core subject of physics through the undergraduate career. We discuss the results and their possible relevance to the standard curriculum as well as to the development of new curricular materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-251
Number of pages14
JournalAmerican Journal of Physics
Volume70
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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