PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

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DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURES
Since a primary part of this research focuses on the argument structure of Stephen
Toulmin, I needed to find a way to look at the 14 groups using his structure of argument
construction. The first step in applying the Toulmin structure to the groups’ problem
solutions was to learn how to identify Grounds, Warrants, Backings, and Claims. It was
soon learned that other categories would be needed as well. I chose a single problem,
solved by four diverse groups, to begin the process.
The primary “reference point” for this part of the analysis is the set of 14
videotapes and the transcripts made from them. The other three reference points will
help explain the analysis process I developed. For example, the written problem
solutions will be very useful in determining what the students were writing while they
talked. Diagrams from their written solutions will appear in the transcript excerpts.
Initial Transcript Coding
I selected the fourth graded group problem of Physics 1041, given during the
eighth week of the Winter Quarter. I chose this problem (Shown in Figure 2-1, page 51)
for two reasons. First, this is the one problem for which I had four videotapes and
transcripts. These four groups exhibit a spectrum of ability and functioning, and this is
what I had hoped to find. Secondly, I felt that by this time of the quarter, the students
would have become accustomed to the problem solving strategy as well as working in
cooperative groups. It seemed that it would be “easier” to understand what they were
doing as I viewed the tapes.