PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

(^)
ABSTRACT
This doctoral dissertation research investigated the process of argument co-
construction in 14 cooperative problem-solving groups in an algebra-based, college level,
introductory physics course at the University of Minnesota. The results of the research
provide a rich description of argument co-construction, which, while predicted in
previous literature, has not been systematically described. The research was a qualitative,
case-study analysis of each group's discussion of the "physics description" portion of the
group's problem solution. In a physics description physics concepts and principles are
use to qualitatively analyze the problem. Transcripts were made from videotapes and the
analysis focused on sequential groups of statements, called episodes, instead of isolated,
individual statements. The groups' episodes were analyzed and described in terms of
Stephen Toulmin's argument structure which consists of claims, grounds, warrants, and
backings.
In 13 of these 14 cooperative problem-solving groups, students engaged in co-
constructing an argument. The evidence for this is that the claim making shifted among
group members, and the lower performance students often provided important
components of the solution in the form of skeptical questioning or grounds, warrants, and
backings. This means the physics description was a group product and not the work of
the best individual in the group. This finding supports previous research.
Individual groups adopted a "group dynamic" and showed a self-consistent
argument pattern as they co-constructed a physics description. Group members used
additional claim types: "Modified Claims" clarify initially correct or slightly ambiguous
claims and "Alternate Claims" correct initially incorrect or very ambiguous claims.
These additional claims allowed the groups to engage in "creative controversy." The
groups used grounds, warrants, and backings to support their claims. Their backings
preferred the professor over the teaching assistant or the textbook.