This article reports on the collaboration of six states to study how simulation-based science assessments can become transformative components of multi-level, balanced state science assessment systems. The project studied the psychometric quality, feasibility, and utility of simulation-based science assessments designed to serve formative purposes…

To explain college students' (N=110) achievement in mechanics, a causal model consisting of three constructs (Newtonian physics, mathematics ability, and science experience) was proposed. Implications for physics instruction are discussed based on results indicating plausibility of the model. (Author/SK)

A descriptive study conducted to identify characteristics and attitudes of college physics students as related to their perceptions of the study of physics. A questionnaire was administered to 1,108 students, of whom five percent were physics majors. Chi Square Analysis indicated students with high school physics background liked physics to a…

This study investigated interactions between student traits and treatments. Engineering and physics majors were enrolled in either a lecture-recitation-laboratory section, or an audio-tutorial section of an introductory physics course. No significant differences were found between the two groups, but an interaction was found between two traits…