Challenging models of elastic collisions with a computer simulation

Whitelock, D.; Taylor, J.; O'Shea, T.; Scanlon, E.; Sellman, R.; Clark, P.; O'Malley, C.

Abstract

A number of techniques were used to elicit 16–17 yr old physics students' understanding of collisions. The students appear to use two different models of reasoning, namely a linear causal and a resistance/reciprocal causal model. These models however break down when the students are confronted with a computer simulation, if conservation of energy is not understood. The computer simulation allows pupils time to run experiments which they think will confirm their faulty models but which facilitate a shared understanding of energy conservation.

Citation

Whitelock, D., Taylor, J., O'Shea, T., Scanlon, E., Sellman, R., Clark, P., & O'Malley, C. (1993). Challenging models of elastic collisions with a computer simulation. Computers & Education, 20(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-1315%2893%2990065-q

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jul 18, 2002
• Publication Date: 1993
• Deposit Date: Aug 15, 2018
• Journal: Computers & Education
• Print ISSN: 0360-1315
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-782X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 1-9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-1315%2893%2990065-q
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1323023