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An investigation of the knowledge structures of experts, intermediates and novices in physics 

Author: Jennifer L. Snyder
DOI: 10.1080/095006900416866
Publication Frequency: 18 issues per year
Published in: journal International Journal of Science Education, Volume 22, Issue 9 January 2000 , pages 979 - 992
Subject: Science Education;
Number of References: 35
Formats available: PDF (English)
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Abstract

The literature on the role of models and theories in physics suggests that multiple models, abstract or concrete exist for a particular phenomenon. These models could be organized into hierarchies describing the entire physics domain (Giere 1994). Hierarchies of concepts have been used in other domains with success; however, criteria for a hierarchy of models in physics and theory's role are unclear. Therefore, research was conducted to describe the knowledge structures of experts, intermediates, and novices. A reiterative categorization task required subjects to sort and re-sort physics problems. The proportions of theory- and model-based categories created by the subjects were compared. Novices created hierarchies of model-based categories. Both intermediates and experts created theory-based categories at the highest, most abstract, level but combined model- and theory-based categories at middle and lower levels. These results support a representation of physics knowledge in which a hierarchy of models is organized by theory-based categories.
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