Previous studies have shown students’ difficulties understanding the idea of atomic emission and how this is related to the flame test. Data on students’ ideas about the flame test were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. Analysis of these data led to the creation of the Flame Test Concept Inventory (FTCI). The FTCI is a multiple choice assessment that measures students’ understanding of electron absorption and emission as it relates to the flame test. This assessment was originally administered to undergraduate and high school students at institutions in the midwest United States, following formal instruction on related material. Data analysis of general chemistry students’ responses revealed five distinct group of students with various levels of understanding regarding the absorption and emission of the atom. The current study administered the FTCI with the addition of confidence scales to general chemistry students at a midwest liberal arts college. The addition of confidence scales helped researchers to gauge the validity of student responses and perform cluster analysis to gain a better understanding of students' learning. Preliminary results will be presented.

Administration of the flame test concept inventory with confidence scale to general chemistry students

2019 Spring National Meeting

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