Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to examine the correlation between math achievement and both physics attitudes and specific topics of beginner level physics. This project was studied because of the common issue of students having negative attitudes toward physics. Causes for negative attitudes toward physics are typically researched by surveys. An online survey was given to students at the University of Northern Iowa. Questions about physics attitudes, physics topics attitudes, and math attitudes were asked along with chances for them to explain their thinking. A total of 72 students were categorized by math achievement by both the number of math classes they took and if they took calculus or not. The t-test was used to determine whether or not there were significant differences between responses from the groups. The results indicated there is no significant difference between math achievement and the attitudes about physics, including physics topics. However, the results might be different if math achievement was measured by assessment rather than self-reporting their grades and number of classes. The qualitative data also shows that struggling with the material, applying the physics content to real life, and being able to problem solve had an impact on students’ attitude toward physics. These should impact math teachers who are preparing students for their future, including any physics courses they take in high school or college. Future work could include measuring math achievement using an assessment accompanied with similar attitude questions given in this survey.

Year of Submission

2024

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Physics

Department

Science Education Program

First Advisor

Lawrence Escalada

Date Original

4-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (54 pages)

Language

en

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