Analysis of Students’ Causal Reasoning in Physics Problem Solving

Abstract

This research was aimed to describe the causal reasoning of students in physics problem-solving. The research subjects were students of Physics Education Study Program of Universitas Tadulako. The research respondents consisted of two students obtained through a selection test of respondents representing the categories of high ability. Data collection through thinking-aloud activity and it was followed by an interview. The thinking-aloud data were analyzed according to Pearl which illustrates how students use students’ causal reasoning in solving the problem. Based on data analysis it can be concluded that causal reasoning has an important role for students when solving the problem. The causal reasoning process conducted by the respondents through the collection of information from the problem; structural equalization of the problem elements with elements of events known by the respondents; reviewed information for the provision of intervention or manipulation in the appropriate decision-making; and made a conclusion by considering a paradox and conflicting of the data on the problem.