Advisor
Barbera, Jack
Advisor
Pacheco, Kimberly A.O.
Committee Member
Hyslop, Richard M.
Committee Member
Song, Youngjin
Committee Member
Smith, Mark A.
Department
Chemistry
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
5-1-2010
Genre
Thesis
Extent
201 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Abstract
When general chemistry students register for organic chemistry, they often have a negative connotation associated with the topic. It has been observed that students talk as if they are experts in what organic chemistry is and exactly how hard it is when many of them have had very little background on the subject. Some students do not even know what topics organic chemistry encompasses. By establishing a framework of where their preconceptions come from and what they are, instructors, will have a better understanding of how to address preconceptions when beginning an organic chemistry course, or perhaps even before. Furthermore, relationships can be investigated between students' preconceptions and their success in organic chemistry. This mixed methods study was designed to investigate what preconceptions were found surrounding organic chemistry, the source of the preconceptions, and the association with student success. Results of this study indicate there are no significant correlations between students' preconceptions and their success in organic chemistry. There may however, be other underlying factors bridging their preconceptions and success. In addition to the qualitative results, quantitative chi-square and regression statistics will be discussed and presented.
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Language
English
Local Identifiers
Wasacz_unco_0161N_10037
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
