Duality in the initial mechanics’ private knowledge: evidence from interviews

Authors

  • Daniel Omar Badagnani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v31.n1.24664

Keywords:

Force Concept Inventory(FCI), Knowledge in pieces, Coherence

Abstract

It has been conjectured recently that initial private knowledge on mechanics has a dual structure, according to which predictions occur via fast, low cost operations, while explanations would employ a theory-like structure. Here we put to test that conjecture by direct search of evidence on the use of the fast resources, by interviewing five new university students (FCE UNLP) under an experimental test designed to that end. We found that fast resources are indeed used, which involve mainly dynamic visual simulations to a large extent subconscious, and that the outcome of those simulations determines the answers to predictions even if they are rationalized with conceptual argumentation. This results allow to understand certain apparently paradoxical aspects about the initial private knowledge and give a clue about how that knowledge can be restructured to result in expert private knowledge.

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Published

2019-06-11

How to Cite

Duality in the initial mechanics’ private knowledge: evidence from interviews. (2019). Journal of Physics Teaching, 31(1), 5-14. https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v31.n1.24664