Creator

Jodie T. Wasacz

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.

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