Student difficulties in vectors: foothold ideas

Abstract

This investigation was conducted with the aim of developing a research based teaching strategy in vectors for non-major physics students. The study reports the explanations used by 132 first year university students to answer five questions without context in two dimensions. The two angled analysis of the methods and explanations used for answering the five questions show lack of understanding of basic vector concepts and inappropriateness in the methods used to solve the problems. The findings indicate that the majority of students used one method and reasoning in all questions irrespective of its suitability and thus answered a few questions correctly and others incorrectly. This paper describes the methods used by students and the productive foothold ideas identified.