Work

Dissecting an interview about astronomical distances using three models

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: There are few studies that compare several theoretical models concerning conceptual understanding. We hypothesize that different models can provide complementary perspectives. In this work, we analyze the video and audio data from an interview with one student (Mark) using three different theoretical models: framework theory (FWT), knowledge-in-pieces (KiP), and social semiotics (SS). The interview discusses distances and sizes in the local universe (Earth, Moon, and Sun) and observable astronomical phenomena: the apparent sizes of the Moon and Sun, solar eclipses, and lunar phases. The results suggest a misconception (from FWT), a localized p-prim (from KiP), and a transductive chain (from SS). However, much more than the individual contributions, the results suggest the complementary nature of the different models. We argue for more work that combines different models both to understand data in a more detailed and nuanced way and to advance theory.

Source: Physical Review Physics Education Research

DOI: 10.1103/9vhd-fbfv

Authors: Willem Keppens, Christopher Robin Samuelsson, Urban Eriksson, Lauren Barth-Cohen, Jan Sermeus

Institutions: KU Leuven, Uppsala University, University of Utah, Royal Observatory of Belgium

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000