Chinese Journal of Science Education


Volume 1 No 2, pp. 135-160 (September 1993)

A Study on Multiple Realities and Conceptions of Electricity

YANG Won-Jin

Abstract

This study attempts to interpret the phenomenon of conceptual regression of electricity and simple direct circuits in terms of the structures of life world. Life world is considered as a composite of myriad finite provinces of meaning or reality, each province consistes of meaning-compatible experiences. Where the everyday life-world and the world of science are two of them. By means of paper-and-pencil test and interview, the conceptions of electricity of fourth and fifth grade pupils, inservice elementary school teachers, and college science teacher are collected, and the similarities and differences are analyzed. The findings indicate that conceptual regression is a common characteristic of our samples and can be interpreted as a result of transitions between realities. Based upon the viewpoint of perspectivist and our findings, the nature of misconception and conceptual change are discussed.
Keywords: Misconception; Concept of Electricity; Perspectivism

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