Comparison of physics knowledge between upper secondary and higher education levels

Authors

  • José Vladimir Ruiz Pérez FES Iztacala, UNAM
  • María Luisa Cepeda Islas FES Iztacala, UNAM
  • Eduardo Fernández Nava FES Iztacala, UNAM
  • Alexis Raziel Valdés Rodríguez Escuela Nacional Preparatoria #8

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22402/j.rdipycs.unam.e.11.1.2025.668

Keywords:

physics, preconceptions, mechanics, force concept inventory, high school

Abstract

Scientific literacy refers to the development of skills and competencies needed to conceptualize natural phenomena. This knowledge helps to deal effectively with everyday problems and can be modified through education. However, it has been found that although educational reforms were implemented in the country, there is not an adequate performance in the area of science. Specifically, in the subject of physics, it has been found that students recently entering high school have problems in conceptual tests, but not in problem solving. Despite this, there is little evidence at lower educational levels, despite the fact that this knowledge is taught from the basic level. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between the score obtained in the Force Concept  Inventory and the academic level. For this purpose, 134 high school and college students participated and answered the inventory. For the analysis of the results, non-parametric tests were applied given the characteristics of the sample distribution. It was found that students obtained an average of 20% correct answers, therefore, their level of knowledge was low regardless of their academic level, and moderate correlations were found between the scores of several dimensions of the instrument. Implications are discussed at the educational level in terms of the low efficiency between academic levels and at the theoretical level in terms of the behavioral change model.

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Author Biographies

  • José Vladimir Ruiz Pérez, FES Iztacala, UNAM

    Licenciado en Psicología por la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y candidato a Doctor en Psicología Educativa y del Desarrollo por la misma institución. Cuenta con seis años de experiencia en la docencia universitaria, impartiendo asignaturas relacionadas con análisis experimental de la conducta, psicología educativa y del desarrollo y bases biológicas de la conducta. Ha participado como ponente en diversos congresos nacionales e internacionales, presentando trabajos sobre cooperación y aprendizaje de las ciencias. Es coautor de artículos científicos y capítulos de libro enfocados en temas de aprendizaje de las ciencias, paráfrasis, competencias lingüísticas y preconceptos en la educación científica.

  • María Luisa Cepeda Islas, FES Iztacala, UNAM

    Licenciada en Psicología y Maestra en Modificación Conductual por la FES Iztacala, UNAM, y Doctora en Educación por la Universidad Anáhuac-Complutense. Profesora con 36 años de trayectoria en la UNAM, imparte docencia a nivel licenciatura y posgrado, además de fungir como tutora en la MADEMS y en la Residencia de Gestión Organizacional. Es miembro del Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (nivel I) e integrante del Grupo de Investigación en Aprendizaje Humano desde 1987. Ha publicado más de 40 artículos y coordinado diversos libros y proyectos financiados por PAPIIT, PAPIME y CONACyT. Actualmente miembro del Comité académico auxiliar de Investigación y Posgrado.

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Published

2025-05-30

How to Cite

Comparison of physics knowledge between upper secondary and higher education levels. (2025). Revista Digital Internacional de Psicología Y Ciencia Social, 11(1), e1112025668. https://doi.org/10.22402/j.rdipycs.unam.e.11.1.2025.668

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