The kinds of mental representations‐‐models, propositions and images‐‐used by college physics students regarding the concept of field

Abstract

Our objective was to investigate at what level of mental representation college students operate regarding the physical concept of field, particularly in the domain of electromagnetism, when solving problems and questions. Our theoretical basis lies in Johnson‐Laird's theory of mental representations, according to which there are at least three major kinds of such representations: mental models, propositions and images. Some 50 sophomore engineering students were observed during two semesters regarding the level of mental representations they used when solving problems and questions proposed as instructional tasks. Research findings suggest that students work mostly with propositions not related or interpreted with respect to mental models.