Quantum theory is arguably the most successful physical theory that has ever been conceptualised, and yet Einstein once remarked that quantum theory reminded him om 'the system of delusions of an exceedignly intelligent paranoiac, conocted of incoherent elements of thought.' (In Arthur Fine, 1986)
A the heart of quantum theory lies the concept of 'wave-particle duality'. What are electrons really like? Are they like particles or waves? Are they like both particles /and/ waves? These questions illustrate the psychological difficulties with which students are confronted when trying to incorporate the concepts of quantum physics into their over-all conceptual framework.
Particularly over the last two decades there has been considerable research interest in the student's perceptions of phenomena in such areas as energy, motion, the particulate nature of matter, electricity, and light (Pfundt and Duit, 1994). This is the first study of A-level Physics students' understanding fo quantum physics in the UK.
Following a review of the research literature this study identifies students' conceptions of quantum phenomena, models and the status of theoretical entities. The relationships between these conceptions are investigated by developing a structured questionnaire and using multivariate analytical techniques (multidimensional scaling, factor analysis, and cluster analysist) to identify groupings of conceptions and relate these to underlying interpretable dimensions. Differences between first and second year groups are described. The implications of the research findings are discussed.