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Patterns of behavior in online homework for introductory physics

Colin Fredericks, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

Student activity in online homework was obtained from courses in physics in 2003 and 2005. This data was analyzed through a variety of methods, including principal component analysis, Pearson's r correlation, and comparison to performance measures such as detailed exam scores. Through this analysis it was determined which measured homework behaviors were associated with high exam scores and course grades. It was also determined that homework problems requiring analysis can have an impact on certain types of exam problems where traditional homework does not. Suggestions are given for future research and possible use of these methods in other contexts.

Subject Area

Physics|Science education

Recommended Citation

Fredericks, Colin, "Patterns of behavior in online homework for introductory physics" (2007). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI3275762.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3275762

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