Several empirical and theoretical analyses related to scientific problem-solving are reviewed, including: detailed studies of individuals at different levels of expertise, and computer models simulating some aspects of human information processing during problem solving. Analysis of these studies has revealed many facets about the nature of the…

Students' conceptions of the concept of force are discussed. Possible problem formats and exercises are presented. The need for many formats and variations to help students' resolve their conflicting ideas about physics concepts is stressed. (CW)

Discusses solutions to real-world linear particle-motion problems using graphing calculators to simulate the motion and traditional analytic methods of calculus. Applications include (1) changing circular or curvilinear motion into linear motion and (2) linear particle accelerators in physics. (MDH)

Investigations related to expertise in problem solving and ability to transfer learning from one context to another are important for developing strategies to help students perform more expertlike tasks. Here we analyze written responses to a pair of nonintuitive isomorphic problems given to introductory physics students and discussions with a…

Examines students' construction of experimentation models for physics theories in energy storage, transformation, and transfers involving electricity and mechanics. Student problem solving dialogs and artificial intelligence modeling of these processes is analyzed. Construction of models established relations between elements with linear causal…

Based on an analysis of structured interviews with 6 research university physics faculty members, this paper presents our initial hypothesis of instructors' beliefs about how their students learn to solve problems in an introductory physics courses. The hypothesis shows that these instructors have very general beliefs about the process of student…

The presentation of physics content knowledge in conjunction with the lack of examples in solving problems leads high school students to struggle with mathematical problem solving in physics courses. This paper explains the importance and necessity of having mathematical courses for all high school students. (YDS)

This paper introduces issues related to the role of intuitive knowledge in physics learning. Phenomenological primitives, which form the base level for intuitive explanations in the research, are discussed. Three primary questions are the focus of this paper: (1) What role, if any, does intuitive knowledge play in physics problem solving? (2) How…

Compares misconceptions associated with electric circuits between high school students in the People's Republic of China and in the United States. In general, findings indicate that the Chinese students did better on the problems than did the American students. Discusses the importance of physics in the Chinese curriculum. (JRH)

Use of end-of-chapter textbook problems for teaching and assessing concepts in introductory physics is widespread, as is restriction of student access to the solutions. Surveys student attitudes (n=128) on access to problem solutions, sampling the enrollment in a large calculus-level course. Results confirm a definite preference for freer access…

Collects and examines data on the attitudes of physics instructors towards allowing student access to textbook problem solutions. Student data (n=227) was collected by survey. Compares student and instructor attitudes and discusses the possible significance of the survey results. (Author/MVL)

Discusses the continuity equation and presents two real-life problems involving salmon survival and the construction of dams. (JRH)

This paper describes how the method of steepest descent can be used to find periodic solutions of differential equations. Applications to two suspension bridge models are discussed, and the method is used to find non-obvious large-amplitude solutions.

Boundary value problems (BVPs) for partial differential equations are common in mathematical physics. The differential equation is often considered in simple and symmetric regions, such as a circle, cube, cylinder, etc., with global and separable boundary conditions. In this paper and other works of the authors, a general method is used for the…