RUME 25
2023
Omaha, Nebraska
Investigating Student Use of Representation in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems
Page: 1166
Meta-Representational Competence (MRC), first theorized by Andrea diSessa, has been used widely in Math Education studies. It has been recently used in Physics Education Research in the domain of Quantum Mechanics. Specific problems within Quantum Mechanics have a foundation in Linear Algebra, and may be approached or perceived differently based on the notation used (either Dirac, Matrix, or Spinor notation). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to present physics students with content questions and then ask them about MRC concepts directly, as it related to the content questions or other situations in Physics or Math. Student statements were coded to indicate both previously identified and novel facets of MRC in the context of change of basis problems in Quantum Mechanics. The preliminary analysis of two student interviews demonstrates each student’s distinct utility of MRC concepts, and suggests extending the Wawro, Watson, & Christensen (2020) MRC statement codes.