Identifying Students’ Misconceptions of Acid-Base Concepts Using a Three-Tier Diagnostic Test: A Case of Indonesia and Thailand

Abstract

Through a descriptive exploratory research design, the current study purposed to diagnose students’ misconceptions of acid-base concepts. A Three-Tier Diagnostic Test (TTDT) with 20 items was administered to 72 Thai and 64 Indonesian grade 12 students in the science program. The semi-structured interview was used to probe their responses to the interview questions. Then, their misconceptions were classified under four categories. The result indicated that the Thai and Indonesian students’ misconceptions were similar to each other. Most of the students had misconceptions of such concepts as acid-base theories, the strength of acids and bases, pH concept in electrolyte and non-electrolyte characteristics of acids and bases. The results shed more light on students’ conceptual understanding. Students should be encouraged to overcome their misconceptions and change them scientific conceptions.