Categorization and representation of physics problems by experts and novices

Michelene T.H. Chi, Paul J. Feltovich, Robert Glaser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3506 Scopus citations

Abstract

The representation of physics problems in relation to the organization of physics knowledge is investigated in experts and novices. Four experiments examine (a) the existence of problem categories as a basis for representation; (b) differences in the categories used by experts and novices; (c) differences in the knowledge associated with the categories; and (d) features in the problems that contribute to problem categorization and representation. Results from sorting tasks and protocols reveal that experts and novices begin their problem representations with specifiably different problem categories, and completion of the representations depends on the knowledge associated with the categories. For, the experts initially abstract physics principles to approach and solve a problem representation, whereas novices base their representation and approaches on the problem's literal features.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)121-152
Number of pages32
JournalCognitive Science
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1981
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Artificial Intelligence

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