Essay On Misconceptions

According to the IOP, Institute of Physics (2014), “A misconception can be defined as a view that does not fully coincide with the scientific view” (Hutchinz, 2014). It is said that Isaac Newton’s laws are there as a guideline to help with the understanding of science and to steer clear of misconceptions when it comes to the concept ‘force’. This concept is very difficult to teach. Misconceptions occur because people lack the ability to believe in the implications of these laws and to understand their meanings. Cognitive scientists (scientists who study how people learn) have exposed that science students come into the science class with a set of beliefs that they are not easily willing to thrust aside despite evidence to the opposing. These …show more content…
The use of everyday language also has a major impact on the learners understanding of the concept ‘force’ and many other concepts in science. In the students everyday language they use phrases like ‘I am going to weigh myself’ (Hutchinz, 2014). This is incorrect as weight is not measured in kg but mass is. History, terms used for science in the past and models similar to earlier scientific models also have an impact on the students learning and understanding of the concept force. Terms like ‘Force make things move’, are believed by many students and it is not easy to change these students believes especially if they are not easily willing to develop and broaden their own understanding (T. Grahama, 2013). This term is as well incorrect as a force is not necessary to keep a moving object moving or in motion. An object does not come to a stop because there is an absence of a force, it comes to a stop because there is a presence of a force. This force is known as the force of friction. As mentioned previously misconceptions occur because people lack the capability to believe