First Advisor
Erik Bodegom
Date of Award
5-26-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Case studies, Physics -- Computer-assisted instruction, Physics -- Web-based instruction, Women -- Education (Higher) -- Attitudes, Distance education, Academic achievement
DOI
10.15760/honors.394
Abstract
As the online class format becomes more popular, many see this as an opportunity to study how those who are typically underrepresented in the classroom may benefit from an online setting. In particular, the field of physics is well known for having a major gender disparity even at the undergraduate level. Recent literature suggests that female students may actually prefer online classes in physics, although studies have not found online classes to demonstrate any particular performance increase when comparing to those who take the class on-campus. This study uses data from introductory physics laboratories at Portland State University during the Fall 2016 term to investigate possible differences in student attitudes and performance levels in both class formats. After comparing students’ pre and post test scores, survey data and final lecture class scores, the online students tended to score higher and say they would prefer to take another online lab if given the chance. However, this was the case for all students (male and female included) which means students’ scores and/or class grades may have been affected by the lab format/equipment itself rather than solely student preference.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/20357
Recommended Citation
Kepple, Caitlin Marie J., "Distance Learning in Physics: an Investigation of Possible Benefits to Female Students in an Online Laboratory Environment" (2017). University Honors Theses. Paper 398.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.394