Commonsense reasoning about processes: a study of ideas about reversibility.

摘要: In recent years, research in students' conceptions about the physical world has revealed that when children reach age of schooling they have already developed their own knowledge which is sometimes rather different from the accepted scientific knowledge taught schools. This thesis aims at investigating possible structures commonsense reasoning reversibility related to processes interest to Science presented by students two age-groups, 13/14 year old and 16/17 old. The study a theoretical framework based upon view reversibility mainly Thermodynamics. It also conceptual, and developmental perspective taken literature, where connected with different concepts such as causation, action, conservation. Therefore, this framework some very basic questions were asked selected number of phenomena. The empirical data was collected with use questionnaires. The sample consisted of two age/instructional groups England, Chile Brazil. Factor Analysis used analyse quantitative data. qualitative analysed using systemic network answers could be categorised. The main result analysis common three dimensional factor space of explanation for all dimensions relating ways the processes seen. They are respectively contrast between 'can happen and cannot happen', 'needs an action happens itself, 'has goal no goal'. Phenomena can located this space, but position may vary different age/instructional countries. results the qualitative give more detailed description way see the reversibility lend support results.