Investigating the Effect of Complexity Factors in Stoichiometry Problems Using Logistic Regression and Eye Tracking

• Autores: Hui Tang, John Kirk, Norbert J. Pienta
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 91, Nº 7, 2014, págs. 969-975
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This paper includes two experiments, one investigating complexity factors in stoichiometry word problems, and the other identifying students' problem-solving protocols by using eye-tracking technology. The word problems used in this study had five different complexity factors, which were randomly assigned by a Web-based tool that we developed. The logistic regression analysis in the first experiment of this study showed that the ability of a student to achieve a correct answer was dependent on three complexity factors: number format, unit, and chemical equation. This was followed by an eye-tracking experiment, which reaffirmed that eye fixation durations were different between students at different levels of success when they solved chemistry word problems. The online tool in this study provides a general instrument to design chemistry word problems with various complexities, as well as a method to quantitatively assess problem difficulty and students' cognitive load. This can be applied in constructing curricula and examinations with desired difficulties in chemistry courses.