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An examination of the predictions and explanations of pre-service nurses across a range of contexts involving the same principles of fluid physics: A preliminary study

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Abstract

Fifteen first-year nursing students individually took part in structured interviews in which a range of devices related to nursing practice and fluid physics was considered. Analysis of the transcripts of these interviews revealed that although respondents had already completed the section of their course related to fluid physics, the majority still exhibited inconsistent and naive ideas about the fluid state, pressure and fluid flow. After structured intervention however, some responses in the latter portion of the interviews gave evidence of conceptual development and an increasing ability to generalise physical principles in contexts not previously encountered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, Avondale College, PO Box 19, 2265, Cooranbong, NSW

    Cedric Greive (Lecturer)

  2. Science Department, Avondale College, PO Box 19, 2265, Cooranbong, NSW

    Kevin De Berg (Senior Lecturer)

Authors
  1. Cedric Greive
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  2. Kevin De Berg
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Additional information

Specializations: student attitudes to science, science and mathematics curriculum.

Specializations: physical and inorganic chemistry, chemical education, history and philosophy and science teaching.

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Greive, C., De Berg, K. An examination of the predictions and explanations of pre-service nurses across a range of contexts involving the same principles of fluid physics: A preliminary study. Research in Science Education 24, 112–120 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02356335

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