An Exploration of Mental Models in Chemistry Education Research
Tamara N. Ron&#269-evi&#263-

University of Novi Sad

Abstract

Mental models are constructs within human memory that have received considerable attention within cognitive psychology, psychology of science, and science education. Theoretical description of mental models is challenging and always observed within certain system of interest. After choosing target system, Norman made distinction between the conceptual model of the target system, user^s mental model of the system, and scientists^ conceptualization of that mental model. When talking about exploration of the characteristics of users^, i.e. students^ mental models, it is important to know that such mental models are highly individualized, evolving constructs that are unstable and incomplete at the beginning of the learning process. As new information (new concept) is incorporated into them, they continue to grow, modify, and change. Adequate experimental techniques should find ^elegant mental models^, but also incomplete and messy mental models that our students often have. Therefore, one of the significant directions of our research in the field of chemistry education is identification of characteristics of students^ mental models that is followed by uncovering students^ lack of understandings and later, persistent misconceptions. Our studies mostly use promising tools such as systemic synthesis questions and word association tests. Examples of using these techniques in order to explore students^ mental models in chemistry education research will be offered

Keywords: model mental

Topic: Chemistry Education