Influence of Cognitive Ability on Students’ Conceptual Change in Particulate Nature of Matter in Physics

Research Article

Authors

  • Marcus Ezema Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Christian Ugwuanyi University of the Free State https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2174-3674
  • Chinedu Okeke School of Education Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
  • Emmanuel Orji Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Keywords:

5E instructional model, cognitive conflict, Conceptual change, cognitive ability

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of cognitive ability on students’ conceptual change in particulate nature of matter in physics. The study adopted non-equivalent groups quasi-experimental design with a sample of 195 senior secondary one (SSI) students. Conceptual Change Test (PNMCCT) and Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) were used for data collection. A reliability coefficient of 0.73 was obtained for PNMCCT using Kuder Richardson (K-R20) procedure and Cronbach’s alpha reliability index of the TOLT was found to be 0.81. The TOLT was used to categorize the subjects into three cognitive ability levels into low, average and high cognitive ability respectively. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and chi-square statistics. The result showed that students’ conceptual change was significantly influenced by cognitive ability. It was recommended that students should be encouraged to develop critical and rational thinking towards physics concepts.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Marcus Ezema, Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

    Marcus is a postgraduate student in the Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

  • Chinedu Okeke, School of Education Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    Prof Okeke is the Head of School of Education Studies, University of the Free State, South Africa

  • Emmanuel Orji, Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

    Dr Emmanuel is a lecturer in Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Downloads

Published

2022-03-22

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2022): The Journal of Turkish Science Education

Section

Articles

Similar Articles

1-10 of 250

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.