Mental Model Profile on Concept of the Effect of Nature of the Reactants and Catalyst on Reaction Rate
Iqlima Rahayu*, Wiji*, Tuszie Widhiyanti, Galuh Yuliani, Sri Mulyani

Department of Chemistry Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Isola, Kec. Sukasari, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40154, Indonesia
*rahayu.iqlima[at]gmail.com, maswiji[at]upi.edu

Abstract

This research aims to obtain students mental models profile on the concept of the effect nature of reactants and catalysts on reaction rate. The research used a qualitative descriptive method with Mental Model Diagnostic Test-Interview About Event (MMDT-IAE) instrument. The results found two types of mental models, namely Partial Understanding (PU) and Partial Understanding with a Specific Misconception (PU/SM). The effect of surface area on reaction rate, students 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 answered correctly but can not relate the three levels, while students 5 cannot explain the relationship between effective collisions and reaction rates. The effect of structure on reaction rate, students 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 can answer the structure, reactivity, and collision theory, while student 5 can not explain collision theory. The effect of ionization energy on reaction rate, students 1, 4, and 7 can answer all probing questions but can not relate the three levels. The effect of catalyst on the reaction rate, all students cannot write steps of reaction with catalyst, describe the reaction progress diagram on the reaction rate, and the Boltzmann distribution diagram correctly. The implications of this research as a basic for teachers to design appropriate learning strategies.

Keywords: Mental model- MMDT-IAE- The effect of nature of the reactants and catalyst on reaction rate

Topic: Chemical Education