Identification of junior high school students’ misconceptions on solid matter and pressure liquid substances with four tier test

Abstract

Misconception is students’ understanding about particular concept in which student strongly believed but it is not appropriate with scientific theory. However the student did not aware of this inappropriateness. This study aims to identify students’ misconceptions of junior high school by using a four-tier test, the sample was grade 9 junior high school student have studied pressure on the substance and liquid topic, with a total sample of nine students. Sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The data obtained through a written test in form of 17 items of four-tier test and interview. Misconceptions were identified using a combination of analysis techniques on a four-tier response test developed by Caleon and Subramaniam. Identified that not all students were found experienced misconceptions, most common misconceptions on item number 12 about pascal principle as much as 6 students. From the interview it is also revealed that the same student misconception on pascal principle. This indicates that the identification of student misconceptions using four tier test analysis is used effectively. Factors that lead to students’ misconceptions are students come from the students themselves and from the learning environment of students, especially classmates.