30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025
Leiden University, Gorlaeus building
Europe/Amsterdam timezone
We are happy to announce that the timetable is now available. You can see it is a very busy schedule so there is little or no wiggle room.

An inventory on the principle of relativity and the principle of equivalence in classical mechanics: investigating misconceptions and pitfalls in reasoning

30 Jun 2025, 16:30
1h
Gorlaeus 'schotel'

Gorlaeus 'schotel'

Poster Evaluation & Assessment (EVAL) Poster session

Speaker

Pasquale Onorato (University of Trento)

Description

One of the main aims of Physics education research is to identify and address student difficulties in learning physics. This study investigates student understanding of classical relativity concepts, including the Frame of Reference (FoR), Principle of Relativity (PoR), and Principle of Equivalence (PoE). We designed and administered a 22-item multiple-choice test to 200 students in introductory physics courses to probe misconceptions and deficiencies. Statistical analyses, including classical test analysis, cluster analysis, and item response theory, were employed to evaluate the test's reliability and effectiveness. Findings highlight common difficulties in understanding key concepts, providing insights for improving physics instruction

Education level Age over 18 (excluding teacher education)
Physics topic Other
Research focus Student conceptions / Preconceptions / Misconceptions
Research method Analytic Physics Education Research (Quantitative research)

Authors

Alessandro Salmoiraghi Mr Alessio Marzari (University of Trento, Department of Physics) Massimiliano Malgieri Pasquale Onorato (University of Trento) Stefano Oss (University of Trento)

Presentation materials