*The Mathematical Modeling Conceptual Evaluation (MMCE) by Ron Thornton and David Sokoloff
This survey focuses on representation translation skills between equations (parameters in linear and quadratic equations) and graphs; and between descriptions of physical systems and graphs of their rates of change. Nominally the survey has 37 items (25 functional dependence and 12 rates of change), but 10 of the items are matrix-like and require 5 answers each. These items would have to be rearranged to permit machine grading with Scantron sheets. For more information, contact Ron Thornton or David Sokoloff.
*The Test of Understanding Graphs - Kinematics (TUG-K) by Robert Beichner
A 21 item survey of various graphing skills relevant for kinematics study including reading values and rates from graphs and representation translation from words to graphs. Machine gradable using Scantron sheets. For more information, see R. J. Beichner, "Testing student interpretation of kinematics graphs," Am. J. Phys.62, 750-762 (1994). or contact Bob Beichner.
*The Vector Evaluation Test (VET) by Ron Thornton and David Sokoloff
A 31 item multiple-choice and short-answer survey testing vector analysis skills including addition and subtraction, component analysis, and comparing magnitudes. Not machine gradable. Should take about 1/2 hour to complete. For more information, contact Ron Thornton or David Sokoloff.
Mechanics
*The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) by David Hestenes, Malcolm Wells, and Greg Swackhammer
A 30 item survey of basic concepts of force in one and two dimensions. A few kinematics questions are included. Machine gradable using Scantron sheets. The version presented here has been modified slightly by Dick Hake and Ibrahim Halloun. Versions of the FCI are available there in Spanish, German, and Malaysian (as well as in English). For more information, see D. Hestenes, M. Wells and G. Swackhamer, "Force Concept Inventory," Phys. Teach. 30, 141-158 (1992).
*The Mechanics Baseline Test (MBT) by David Hestenes and Malcolm Wells
A 26 item survey designed to evaluate students' success at connecting mechanics concepts with problem solving. Machine-gradable using Scantron sheets. Should take about 40 minutes to one hour to complete. (Note: g should be taken to be 10 N/kg for this test. This is not mentioned.) Versions of the MBT are available there in Spanish, German, and Malaysian (as well as in English). For more information, see D. Hestenes and M. Wells, "A Mechanics Baseline Test," Phys. Teach.30, 159-166 (1992).
*The Force-Motion Concept Evaluation (FMCE) by Ron Thornton and David Sokoloff
A survey containing 47 items in a multiple-choice multiple-response format. This covers a wider variety of topics than the FCI, including many more questions on kinematics. Machine gradable on a Scantron sheet except for one item, which requests a written response. This can be collected separately. For more information, see R.K. Thornton and D.R. Sokoloff, "Assessing student learning of Newton's laws: The Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation," Am. J. Phys.66(4), 228-351 (1998) or contact Ron Thornton or David Sokoloff. A spreadsheet analysis template for the FMCE is available from Michael Wittmann.
*The Energy Concepts Survey (ECS) by Chandralekha Singh
A 25 item multiple-choice and multiple-choice multiple-response survey probing conceptual understanding of work, energy, impulse, and momentum. Machine-gradable using Scantron sheets. Should take about 40-50 minutes to complete. For more information or for the latest version of the test, contact Chandralekha Singh.
Heat, Temperature, and Thermodynamics
*The Heat and Temperature Concept Evaluation (HCTE) by Ron Thornton and David Sokoloff
A 28 item survey on concepts of heat, temperature, and heat flow. Should take about 30-40 minutes to complete. All but one of the items are machine gradable. One item requires drawing a graph and writing a sentence. For more information on the survey, contact Ron Thornton or David Sokoloff. A spreadsheet analysis template for the HCTE is available from Michael Wittmann.
Waves
*The Wave Diagnostic Test (WDT) by Michael Wittmann
A survey probing student models of mechanical waves on strings and sound. It contains 8 open-response items, each requiring two to three one-sentence answers and 2 multiple-choice multiple-response items. Not machine gradable. Should take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Electricity and Magnetism
*The Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM) by David Maloney, Tom O'Kuma, Kurt Heiggelke, and Alan van Heuvelen
A 32 item multiple-choice survey probing the concepts of electric and magnetic forces, fields, and potentials. Machine gradable using Scantron sheets. Should take about 30-45 minutes to complete. For more information, see David P. Maloney, Thomas L. O'Kuma, Curtis J. Hieggelke, and Alan Van Heuvelen, "Surveying students' conceptual knowledge of electricity and magnetism," Am. J. Phys. 69, S12 (2001) or contact Curt Hieggelke.
*Determining and Interpreting Resistive Electric Circuits Concepts Test (DIRECT) by Paula V. Engelhardt and Robert J. Beichner
A 29 item multiple-choice survey of basic issues in direct current circuits including voltage, current, and interpretation of circuit diagrams. Machine gradable using Scantron sheets. Should take about 1/2 hour to complete. Available in English, Spanish, and Finnish. For more information, contact Bob Beichner.
*The Electric Circuits Concept Evaluation (ECCE) by Ron Thornton and David Sokoloff
A 45 item multiple-choice survey probing student understanding of direct and alternating current circuits. Some items include capacitors and inductors. Machine gradable using 10-item Scantron sheets. Some items request explanations. Should take about one hour to complete. For more information, contact Ron Thornton or David Sokoloff. A spreadsheet analysis template for the ECCE is available from Michael Wittmann.
Laboratory Concepts
*The Physics Measurement Questionnaire (PMQ) by S. Allie, A. Buffler, B. Campbell, and F. Lubben
A 10 item survey probing students understanding of experimental practice, especially their understanding of the need for repeated measurements, the interpertation of range, and uncertainty. Should take about 20-30 minutes to do. Requires explanations everywhere, so not machine gradable. For more information, see S. Allie, A. Buffler, L. Kaunda, B. Campbell, and F. Lubben, "First-year physics students' perceptions of the quality of experimental measurements," Int. J. Sci. Educ.20, 447-459 (1998) or contact Saalie Allie.
*The Meaurement Uncertainty Quiz (MUQ) by Robert Beichner and Duane Deardorff
A 10 item multiple-choice survey probing student understanding of experimental uncertainty. Machine gradable using Scantron sheets. Should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. For more information, contact Bob Beichner.
