OSUGC 98 Presentation page 3

Testing of Initial Auditory Graphs.
Test development:

Question topics taken from general, 1^st year physics books (H&R, O'Hanian), and from previous studies on graphs (Beichner, Hestenes et al., Trobridge & McDermott).
Developed or borrowed 14 multiple choice questions: mechanics (10), e&m (2), waves (2). These questions were reviewed by professors in the Physics and Science Education departments at OSU.
Divided graphs into three categories: linear (6), curved (4), more complex shapes (4).

Graph Examples:
a linearly increasing graph; a graph of x^2;

4 Subject group classifications:

visual graphs: on computer and on paper
auditory graphs
both auditory and visual graphs.

Subject population: 12 first quarter algebra based physics course (201) students at OSU (summer quarter, '97), randomly selected from a volunteer sign up list.

Test application: guided interview process, with students filling out an answer sheet.

Results of Initial Pilot Study:

Histogram of test results from first
pilot study.

Group Total Print Vision Sound & Vision Sound Grad.

Avg. # correct of 14 7.4 8 9 8 4.7 12^*

* 2 Graduate students took the test with sound graphs, answering only from what they heard.

Problems noticed in the pilot study:

Number of students too low.

Took too much time, and some students felt uncomfortable.

Program not designed for the task.

Group	Total	Print	Vision	Sound & Vision	Sound	Grad.
Avg. # correct of 14	7.4	8	9	8	4.7	12^*

Testing of Initial Auditory Graphs. Test development:

Testing of Initial Auditory Graphs.
Test development: