Reexamining the Role of Cognitive Conflict in Science Concept Learning

In this study, we defined and quantified the degree of cognitive conflict induced by a discrepant event from a cognitive perspective. Based on the scheme developed, we investigated the relationship between cognitive conflict and conceptual change, and the influences of students' cognitive characteristics on conflict in learning the concept of density. Subjects were 171 seventh-grade girls from two city middle schools in Korea. Tests regarding logical thinking ability, field dependence/independence, and meaningful learning approach were administered. A preconception test and a test of responses to a discrepant event were also administered. Computer-assisted instruction was then provided to students as a conceptual change intervention. A conception test was administered as a posttest. In analysing students' responses to the discrepant event, seven types of responses were identified: Rejection, reinterpretation, exclusion, uncertainty, peripheral belief change, belief decrease, and belief change. These types were then ordered into four levels. The results indicated that there existed a significant correlation between cognitive conflict and conceptual change. t-test results revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the degree of cognitive conflict by the levels of students' logical thinking ability and field dependence/independence. Meaningful learning approach, however, was found to have no statistically significant effect on cognitive conflict. Educational implications are discussed.     

Conceptual change and anomalous data: A case study in the domain of natural sciences

Cognitive conflict has been proposed as a strategy to promote conceptual change. The history and philosophy of science have shown the importance of anomalous data to change scientific theories and to the progress of science. Often, scientists use anomalous data to develop new interpretations that lead to new conceptualizations and finally, to a deep conceptual change. To be aware of contradiction seems to be a first step in the process of conceptual change. A study to explore novice students responses to anomalous data has been carried out. Sixty nine ninth graders, fifty seven eleventh graders and sixty three twelfth graders participated in the study. A paper and pencil task about the origin of life on the Earth was designed. Subjects were divided into two conditions. In condition “A” only anomalous data were presented to the subjects. In condition “A+B”, both anomalous and confirmatory data were presented. Results indicated that younger students were less aware of contradiction than older students when both anomalous and confirmatory data were presented. However, no differences have been found among them when just anomalous data were presented (condition A). Twelfth graders were aware of contradiction in both conditions. Some students’ epistemological beliefs influenced their response to anomalous data. Although no conceptual change (weak or strong restructuring) was achieved, as it could be predicted by the low domain-specific knowledge of the subjects and the complexity of the topic, presenting anomalous data facilitated the achievement of the first steps of the conceptual change process.     

The influence of students’ cognitive and motivational variables in respect of cognitive conflict and conceptual change

In this study, the relationships among students’ cognitive/motivational variables, cognitive conflict, and conceptual change were investigated. Subjects were 159 seventh graders in Korea. Tests regarding logical thinking ability, field dependence/independence (FDI), meaningful learning approach, failure tolerance, mastery goal orientation, and self‐efficacy were administered to examine students’ cognitive/motivational characteristics. A preconception test and a test of responses to discrepant event were also conducted to examine the degree of students’ cognitive conflict induced by a discrepant event. Computer‐assisted instruction, designed to change an undifferentiated weight‐density concept into a scientific density concept, was then provided to students as a conceptual change intervention. A conception test was administered as a post‐test. The results indicated that FDI was the only statistically significant variable correlated with the degree of cognitive conflict. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that logical thinking ability, FDI, and failure tolerance were statistically significant predictors of the conception test scores. Educational implications are discussed.     

Development of an instrument for measuring cognitive conflict in secondary‐level science classes

Based on conceptual change theory, cognitive conflict is known as an important factor in conceptual change even though there are still questions about its positive and negative effects on science learning. However, there is no reliable method by which to assess the cognitive conflict students experience in their learning. The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument for measuring secondary students' cognitive conflict levels as they learned science. The results of this study indicate that our instrument is a valid and reliable tool for measuring cognitive conflict levels. Factor analysis supported the model that cognitive conflict consists of four constructs: recognition of an anomalous situation, interest, anxiety, and cognitive reappraisal of the conflict situation. Implications for instruction and possibilities for future research are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 40: 585–603, 2003     

Facial micro-expression states as an indicator for conceptual change in students' understanding of air pressure and boiling points

Utilizing facial recognition technology, the current study has attempted to predict the likelihood of student conceptual change with decision tree models based on the facial micro-expression states (FMES) students exhibited when they experience conceptual conflict. While conceptual change through conceptual conflicts in science education is a well-studied field, there is little research done on conceptual change through conceptual conflict in terms of students' facial expressions. As facial expressions are one of the most direct and immediate responses one can get during instruction and that facial expressions are often representations student's emotions, a link between students' FMES and learning was explored. Facial data was collected from 90 tenth graders. Only data from the 72 students who made incorrect predictions were analyzed in this study. The concept taught was the relationship between boiling point and air pressure. Through facial recognition software analysis and decision tree models, the current study found Surprised, Sad and Disgusted to be key FMES that could be used to predict student conceptual change in a conceptual conflict-based scenario.     

Influence of text structure on learning counterintuitive physics concepts

The purpose of this study was to explore the influences of text structure on students' conceptual change. Case studies were conducted of three sections of physics (Physical World, Physics, and Honors Physics) for 8 months of an academic year. Qualitative data (including observation field notes, interviews, videotapes, audiotapes, and questionnaires) were analyzed from the perspective of grounded theory by constant comparison through the framework of social constructivism. Results showed that individuals used refutational text to change their alternative conceptions, find support for their scientific preconceptions, gain the language necessary to discuss their ideas, and acquire new concepts. We also found instances, however, when students ignored the text and persisted with their alternative conception, or when students found support for their nonscientific ideas from refutational text. In these cases, we found that either the refutation was not direct enough to be effective, or students' reading strategies were insufficient to facilitate conceptual change. In investigating the power of refutational text, we found that refutational text does cause cognitive conflict. We also discovered that while cognitive conflict may be necessary for conceptual change to occur, it is not sufficient. Although refutational text is effective on the average for groups of students, it will need to be supplemented by discussion for individuals. J Res Sci Teach 34: 701–719, 1997.     

Exploring the Impact of Varying Degrees of Cognitive Conflict in the Generation of both Subject and Pedagogical Knowledge as Primary Trainee Teachers Learn about Shadow Formation

Primary teacher preparation courses to need support students in developing not only science content knowledge, but also pedagogical knowledge appropriate to the effective translation and representation of subject matter for learners in classrooms. In the case of the generalist primary trainee, this constitutes a considerable challenge. This study explored how a group of 13 primary trainees developed subject and pedagogical knowledge during university‐based training as they investigated shadow production in a variety of contexts using cognitive conflict as a strategy for promoting conceptual change. By using a metacognitive approach, students analysed their own learning in response to increasing depth of conflict within a series of shadow investigations. The results indicate that the depth of conflict perceived by the learners in this study was instrumental in inducing conceptual change and generating pedagogical insight within the domain of light.     

Experienced Middle School Science Teachers’ Assessment Literacy: Investigating Knowledge of Students’ Conceptions in Genetics and Ways to Shape Instruction

Using a framework of assessment literacy that included teachers?? view of learning, knowledge of assessment tools, and knowledge of assessment interpretation and action taking, this study explored the assessment literacy of five experienced middle school teachers. Multiple sources of data were: teachers?? predictions about students?? ideas, students?? written and verbal responses to assessment tasks, teacher background questionnaire, and a videotaped teacher focus group. We investigated middle school teachers?? predictions, interpretations, and recommended actions for formative assessment in genetics. Results documented a variety of ways that teachers would elicit students?? ideas in genetics, focusing on discussion strategies. Findings showed how well teachers predicted student conceptions compared to actual student conceptions. We also found that teachers mostly described general topics they would use to address students?? alternative conceptions. Less often, they explained specific content they would use to challenge ideas or pedagogical strategies for conceptual change. Teachers also discussed barriers to addressing ideas. Teacher professional development should provide more support in helping teachers close the formative assessment cycle by addressing conceptions that are elicited with assessments.     

Thinking Like a Scientist: Using Vee-Maps to Understand Process and Concepts in Science

It is considered important for students to participate in scientific practices to develop a deeper understanding of scientific ideas. Supporting students, however, in knowing and understanding the natural world in connection with generating and evaluating scientific evidence and explanations is not easy. In addition, writing in science can help students to understand such connections as they communicate what they know and how they know it. Although tools such as vee-maps can scaffold students?? efforts to design investigations, we know less about how these tools support students in connecting scientific ideas with the evidence they are generating, how these connections develop over time, or how writing can be used to encourage such connections. In this study, we explored students?? developing ability to reason scientifically by examining the relationship between students?? understanding of scientific phenomena and their understanding of how to generate and evaluate evidence for their ideas in writing. Three high school classes completed three investigations. One class used vee-mapping each time, one used vee-mapping once, and one did not use vee-mapping. Students?? maps and written reports were rated for understanding of relevant science procedural and conceptual ideas. Comparisons between groups and over time indicate a positive relationship between improved procedural and conceptual understanding. Findings also indicate that improved procedural understanding preceded improved conceptual understanding, and thus, multiple experiences were needed for students to connect evidence and explanation for science phenomena.     

CONCEPTUAL CHANGE TEXTS IN CHEMISTRY TEACHING: A STUDY ON THE PARTICLE MODEL OF MATTER

This study explores the effect of a conceptual change text on students?? awareness of common misconceptions on the particle model of matter. The conceptual change text was designed based on principles of text comprehensibility, of conceptual change instruction and of instructional approaches how to introduce the particle model. It was evaluated in an empirical study with 214 students. Students?? learning was measured with a pre?Cpost-test design. Item response theory was used for analysing students?? answers. We found that reading the criteria-based text fostered students?? awareness of common misconceptions about the particle model and yielded overall improved results as compared to reading a traditional text.     

WHERE COGNITIVE CONFLICT ARISES FROM?: THE STRUCTURE OF CREATING COGNITIVE CONFLICT

In this study, our basic contention was that it is essential for researchers to answer the question, “Where does cognitive conflict really arise from?” with more precision than has heretofore been attempted. First, we examined how the term “cognitive conflict” has been treated in the existing literature and try to pinpoint some difficulties, related to inexplicitness or imprecision. Second, we investigated the students’ resources that cause cognitive conflict in learning gravitational potential energy. Finally, we illustrated the structure of creating cognitive conflict by using a framework of knowledge and belief, and we explained how students locate their resources, interact with those resources, and so create cognitive conflict. We also discuss how identifying the structure of creating cognitive conflict helps us understand and address the issue of students’ cognitive conflicts.     

The role of task design and argumentation in cognitive development during peer interaction: The case of proportional reasoning

This paper examines task design that affords deep changes in mathematical thinking in the context of peer interaction. We describe a study in which 60 low-level high-school students solved a proportional reasoning task, the “blocks” task as individuals and/or in dyadic interaction. We show that we could tailor the design of the task in order to create a cognitive conflict among dyads, notwithstanding the strategies used by the students. We show that students' proportional reasoning strategies did not improve as a result of discussion even when guided by an experimenter dedicated at reaching consensus; however the introduction of a hypothesis testing device and the guidance of the experimenter to accommodate divergent views led peers to impressive conceptual change in their discussion and in an individual post-test. Examination of one case of dyadic interaction shows that beyond the value of given characteristics of individuals or of tasks, the process of argumentation that takes place between the peers explains the subsequent gains of the individuals. The conditions under which conceptual change was attained challenge theoretical views on cognitive development and social interactions.     

The Implications of the Cognitive Sciences for the Relation Between Religion and Science Education: The Case of Evolutionary Theory

This paper discusses the relationship between religion and science education in the light of the cognitive sciences. We challenge the popular view that science and religion are compatible, a view that suggests that learning and understanding evolutionary theory has no effect on students?? religious beliefs and vice versa. We develop a cognitive perspective on how students manage to reconcile evolutionary theory with their religious beliefs. We underwrite the claim developed by cognitive scientists and anthropologists that religion is natural because it taps into people??s intuitive understanding of the natural world which is constrained by essentialist, teleological and intentional biases. After contrasting the naturalness of religion with the unnaturalness of science, we discuss the difficulties cognitive and developmental scientists have identified in learning and accepting evolutionary theory. We indicate how religious beliefs impede students?? understanding and acceptance of evolutionary theory. We explore a number of options available to students for reconciling an informed understanding of evolutionary theory with their religious beliefs. To conclude, we discuss the implications of our account for science and biology teachers.     

Responses to anomalous data obtained from repeatable experiments in the laboratory

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible responses to anomalous data obtained from experiments that are repeatable by carrying out additional or alternative experiments in the laboratory. Based on an analysis of responses from scientists to anomalous data taken from identification experiments on the Vinland Map, it was assumed that an additional response—uncertainty about interpretation of the data—should be considered in addition to the other eight responses reported by Chinn and Brewer 1998 . It was also assumed that a process of responses containing more than one response is possible for a given subject who is responding to a given piece of anomalous datum in the laboratory. Both assumptions were verified by examining responses of undergraduates to anomalous data obtained from repeatable laboratory experiments. The results of this study show that there are nine categories of responses: ignoring; rejection; uncertainty of validity; uncertainty of interpretation; exclusion; abeyance; reinterpretation; peripheral conceptual change; and conceptual change. Moreover, two categories of processing, anomalous data–final response (A‐R process) and anomalous data–[mediators with/without intermediate responses]–final response (A‐M‐R process), are assessed in this study. It is suggested that science instructors could use the nine categories of responses to understand the learning characteristics of students, and also to use the A‐M‐R process to design suitable teaching strategies to arrive at meaningful learning. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 506–528, 2007     

Individual Learning Vs. Interactive Learning: A Cognitive Diagnostic Analysis of MOOC Students’ Learning Behaviors

ABSTRACT

Researchers have been interested in classifying massive open online course (MOOC) students based on their learning behaviors. However, less attention has been paid to the cognitive attributes associated with various learning behaviors. In this study, we propose a conceptual model that links MOOC students’ observable learning behaviors to their latent attributes (i.e., individual learning versus interactive learning). Using students’ behavior data from a MOOC, we performed a cognitive diagnostic analysis to identify the students’ learning profiles and to determine how these profiles related to their course achievement. We found that a large portion of the students performed individual learning whereas only a very small portion of them overtly performed interactive learning. In addition, the students who performed interactive learning were more likely to pass the course with distinction than the students who did not show this attribute. The results of this study have important implications for improving students’ learning in MOOCs. Further, the study provides a good demonstration of how to use clickstream process data for psychometric analysis.     

The Role of Cognitive Conflict in Developing Students’ Understanding of Average

Two strands of research motivate this study. One is the interest in school students’ development of understanding of the concept of average, historically part of the mathematics curriculum and prominent in the statistics curriculum introduced in the early 1990s. The other is the belief of some educators that students learn meaningfully when experiencing cognitive conflict that challenges incorrect or incomplete understandings. This study presented 58 students in Grades 3, 6, and 9 with a series of questions about the concept of average. After initial levels of response were observed, students were presented with alternative responses on video from other school students and asked to choose which best resolved the task at hand. Initial responses confirmed the levels of understanding in an earlier study based on the same questions. Responses after the experience of cognitive conflict were either at the same level as before or higher, with no student finally agreeing with a lower level response. The results are compared with longitudinal change in relation to average and change resulting from cognitive conflict in relation to other areas of chance and data. Implications of the research are considered.     

Status and Subscribing: A Response to Schwitzgebel

Schwitzgebel (1999) has proposed an account of theories that can be used in deciding whether children's cognitive development is like theory change in science. In this article we outline an account of conceptual learning in terms of the conceptions that people hold, the status they award to their conceptions, and the conceptual ecology containing the criteria they use in determining status. A comparison of our account with Schwitzgebel's shows an equivalence between Schwitzgebel's subscribing and one component of status (fruitfulness), but no counterpart to another (plausibility). In addition, Schwitzgebel's account predicts that people possess an explanation-seeking curiosity that is associated with patterns of arousal and affect when anomalous phenomena are encountered. We present the results of empirical work that demonstrates that students do exhibit strong affective reactions to awareness of experimental anomalies and their resolution.     

The Effect of Na?ve Ideas on Students’ Reasoning About Electricity and Magnetism

Traditional multiple-choice concept inventories measure students?? critical conceptual understanding and are designed to reveal students?? na?ve or alternate ideas. The overall scores, however, give little information about the state of students?? knowledge and the consistency of reasoning. This study investigates whether students have consistent alternate models when reasoning about Newton??s third law principle in the context of electromagnetics (EM), and whether these possible models are related to conceptual change and overall performance. Students?? conceptual understanding is evaluated with The Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM) multiple-choice test. The data (N?=?118) are collected from an undergraduate static field theory course at the Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. The data are analysed using frequency distributions, Fisher??s exact test, and One-Way ANOVA analysis. The study shows that every fifth student has a consistent or partially consistent alternate model of Newton??s third law principle in the context of EM prior to instruction. Students with this alternate model perform significantly (p?=?0.01) better on the overall concept test and are more likely to change conceptual understanding towards a correct model compared to students in an inconsistent mixed model state.