Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
HACETTEPE UNIVERSITESI EGITIM FAKULTESI DERGISI-HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, sa.34, ss.86-94, 2008 (SSCI)
In this study, variation in students' description of quantum physics and ways of description were identified. Participants of the study were selected purposely. 65 students from Middle East Technical University and Hacettepe University participated to this study. Students answered the related test with three open ended questions in almost 30 minutes. The qualitative data was analyzed via phenomenographic analysis. The data analyzed by the researchers gradually. Two categories ('quantum physics as a course' and 'quantum physics as a branch of physics') for description of quantum physics and three categories ('descriptions by connection with other courses', 'non-operational descriptions' and,operational descriptions') for description ways were determined in the light of the data. In addition, most used concepts in the descriptions were identified and they were compared with the most important concepts according to the students perspective. 'Microscopic system' was identified as most used concept and 'Heisenberg uncertainty principle' was identified as the most important concept. This study indicates how students perceive the whole of the phenomenon. The findings may be used in new instructional designs and material developments for teaching quantum physics.