PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2017
San Diego, California
Meta-representational competence with linear algebra in quantum mechanics
Page: 1493
In this report we shared our preliminary analysis of one student’s meta-representationalcompetence as he engages in solving a quantum mechanics problem involving linear algebraconcepts, namely basis, eigenvectors, and eigenvalues. We provide detail on student A25, whoserves as a paradigmatic example of a student’s power and flexibility in thinking in and usingdifferent notation systems. This preliminary work lends credence to and inspires our conjecturethat strong meta-representational competence (MRC) is necessary not only to be fluent andproficient in the mathematics involved in solving quantum mechanics problems but also todevelop a robust understanding of the quantum mechanics content.