
Developed by Sura Wuttiprom, Manjula Devi Sharma, Ian D. Johnston, Ratchapak Chitaree, and Chernchok Soankwan
Purpose | To investigate students’ understanding of introductory quantum physics concepts. |
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Format | Pre/post, Multiple-choice |
Duration | 30 min |
Focus | Modern / Quantum Content knowledge (de Broglie wavelength, double slit interference, uncertainty principle, photoelectric effect, wave particle duality) |
Level | Intermediate, Intro college |
Sample questions from the QPCS:

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This is the second highest level of research validation, corresponding to at least 5 of the validation categories below.
Research Validation Summary
Based on Research Into:
- Student thinking
Studied Using:
- Student interviews
- Expert review
- Appropriate statistical analysis
Research Conducted:
- At multiple institutions
- By multiple research groups
- Peer-reviewed publication
The multiple-choice questions on the QPCS were developed based on topics common across several introductory quantum syllabi, expert opinion (through a Delphi process), and student ideas that emerged through open-ended questions. An initial set of questions was tested with over introductory 20 students. A revised set of questions were given to graduate students and experts, which were then revised again. The new set of questions were tested with 20 fourth-year students, and over 300 introductory and intermediate students. Appropriate statistical analyses of reliability, difficulty and discrimination were conducted and reasonable values were found. Overall, the QPCS has been tested with over 350 students, and results published in two peer-reviewed publications.
References
- T. Larkin, P. Meade, and J. Uscinski, Probing a deeper understanding of modern physics concepts, presented at the Frontiers in Education Conference, Rapid City, SD, 2011.
- S. Wuttiprom, M. Sharma, I. Johnston, R. Chitaree, and C. Soankwan, Development and Use of a Conceptual Survey in Introductory Quantum Physics, Int. J. Sci. Educ. 31 (5), 631 (2009).
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Language | Translator(s) | |
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Thai | ![]() |
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Typical Results | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Typical scores from Wuttiprom et. al 2009:
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The latest version of the QPCS, released in 2009, is version 1.