Development of four-tier diagnostic test (FTDT) to identify student’s mental models on static fluid

Abstract

Four-Tier diagnostic test on some previous studies are usually used to diagnose misconceptions and conceptual change. In this study, the four-tier diagnostic test (FTDT) has been used to identify students’ mental models on static fluid. Based on the mastery of students concept on static fluid, mental models will have classified into three categories: 1) initial model, 2) synthetic model and 3) scientific model. The research method utilized is the Dick and Carey model, which has four steps: 1) development of analysis diagnostic test, 2) diagnostic test design, 3) implementation and 4) evaluation. The instrument has been collected to 28 students at senior high school in Bandung. Result study shows that students mental models, which are Initial model (20.5%), synthetic-partial understanding model A (8.9%), synthetic-partial understanding model B (30.4%), synthetic-partial understanding model C (17.3%), synthetic-misconception model (11.3%) and scientific model (11.6%). It can be concluded that four-tier diagnostic test (FDTD) is able to identify student’s mental models in static fluid.