We compared algorithmic problem solving and conceptual understanding of chemistry with three types (algorithmic, pictorial- and wordy-formatted conceptual) of problems. The familiarity, confidence, and preference to the three type of problems were als...
We compared algorithmic problem solving and conceptual understanding of chemistry with three types (algorithmic, pictorial- and wordy-formatted conceptual) of problems. The familiarity, confidence, and preference to the three type of problems were also examined. The chemistry problem solving ability test was administered to 228 students from two top high schools in the province of Gyeonggi who were preparing the chemistry examination among the four optional subjects (biology, chemistry, earth science, physics) for enter university. After administrating the chemistry problem solving ability test, the degree of familiarity to some problems and the degree of confidence of their answers in a Likert scale were asked to the students. Besides, the students were asked to place preference to the type of problems in order. The students scored better on the algorithmic problems than on the conceptual problems (pictorial and wordy problems), and were also most familiar with the algorithmic problems. The students were more confident of their answers on both of types pictorial and algorithmic problems, and preferred pictorial problems rather than both of types algorithmic and wordy problems.