Epistemological obstacles in mathematical abstraction on abstract algebra

Abstract

The general abstract algebra is a material that is still considered difficult by students. To know and understand the abstract algebra is needed mathematical abstraction. Mathematical abstraction ability is very prominent in abstract algebra lectures. In this research, the mathematical abstraction is seen based on RBC theory (Recognizing, Building-with, Constructing). This process of abstraction will be done in the process of epistemological obstacles. Epistemology obstacles are learning obstacles due to dissatisfaction, generalization processes are too broad, or languages apart. This research uses qualitative with case study approach. Participant in this study was a student who had studied abstract algebra. Additionally given in relation to abstract algebra, the student is interviewed in from the answer. The results of this study indicate had epistemology obstacles in every epistemic action in recognizing, building-with and construction. The learning obstacles that arises is the inappropriate use of the intuition and is too broad to generalize.