PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

(^) of argument co-construction. The differences in these patterns is evident in the manner
the groups further explain, elaborate and defend their ideas. Twelve of the 14 groups had
a single prototype pattern and two groups had dual patterns.
Fourth, additional Claims within a group’s episodes can be accounted for by
defining the Alternate Claim and Modified Claim.

 An Alternate Claim follows a Claim or a Modified Claim and presents a
contradictory or alternate idea to the initial claim. Either an explicit
Challenge precedes an Alternate Claim, or a challenge is implicit within the
Alternate Claim. Alternate Claims are sometimes stated as a question. Other
verbal cues include “Perhaps we should consider..,” “On the other hand..,” “I
think it’s...”

 A Modified Claim follows a Claim or an Alternate Claim. A Modified Claim
offers an additional, non-contradictory idea(s) to the initial claim, and serves
to clarify, extend or elaborate upon the initial claim. A Modified Claim is
usually stated in a non-confrontational manner compared to an Alternate
Claim.
These are the argument co-construction patterns within individual groups. The
next step is to look at commonalities between the groups. In the next chapter, I will
discuss how the groups are similar to each other. That analysis will particularly focus on
the Alternate Claim and Modified Claim.