Some students believe light is intentionally designed to allow us to see

Light, Sound and Waves

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

Resources to Address This

  • How do we see?  (5-11)

    Ref- SPT HS01 TL02

    Right Lines:You are able to see as a result of light entering your eye. Light may come directly from a luminous source, or reflect off an object, or be scattered from particles and then enter the eye.

    This activity challenges the ideas of a pool of light; an active eye; light from eye to object.

    View Resource

References

The following studies have documented this misconception:
 

  • Andersson, B and Kärrqvist, C. () How Swedish pupils, aged 12‐15 years, understand light and its properties, European Journal of Science Education, 5 (4), DOI: 10.1080/0140528830050403.

    Review sheet

  • Fetherstonhaugh, T. and Treagust, D. F. () Students’ Understanding of Light and Its Properties: Teaching to Engender Conceptual Change Science Education, 76 (6),

    653-672.

    Review sheet

RelatedMisconceptions
RESEARCH REVIEW Light, Sound and Waves

Many students think that the amplitude (like wavelength) is in some way proportional to frequency and speed

  • Number of Resources3
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources8
RESEARCH REVIEW Light, Sound and Waves

Many students do not recognise light as an entity between a source and the effect it produces

  • Number of Resources2
  • Number of References2
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
RESEARCH REVIEW Light, Sound and Waves

Some students may believe an important factor in hearing is the listener concentrating on the source of the sound

  • Number of Resources2
  • Number of References2
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today