In this study, the relationships among students` cognitive/affective variables, cognitive conflict induced by anomalous data, and conceptual change were investigated. Tests regarding background knowledge, field dependence-independence, learning strate...
In this study, the relationships among students` cognitive/affective variables, cognitive conflict induced by anomalous data, and conceptual change were investigated. Tests regarding background knowledge, field dependence-independence, learning strategy, logical thinking ability, goal orientation, self-efficacy on prior concept and ability, and control belief were administered. Tests of prior conceptions, responses to anomalous data, conception, and retention of conception were also administered. There were no significant correlations of cognitive conflict induced by anomalous data with students` cognitive and affective variables. However, prior knowledge on molecular motion, field dependence-independence, and learning strategy were significantly correlated with students` conception and retention of conception. Logical thinking ability was also correlated with their conception. Multiple regression analysis indicated that learning strategy significantly predicted students` conception and retention of conception. For the affective variables, self-efficacy on ability was significantly correlated with students` conception and retention of conception, and goal orientation was correlated with their conception. Self-efficacy on ability was a significant predictor on students` conception and retention of conception, and goal orientation on their conception.