Using repertory grid techniques in the force and motion subject

In this study, the Repertory Grid Technique was examined in detail and applied to students at different ages in order to uncover the cognitive levels, constructs and conflicting ideas of students about mecanical issues. The aim of this research was to determine the role of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) in identifying the student difficulties and possible solutions to them especially in Physics. Repertory Grid draws a portrait of individuals with ceartain elements. Individuals can be distinguished elements defined in a form in computer. The way I followed to conduct the study is described in detail. Then the examples are given and the potential for educational and research purposes are described. ?ranking? and ?writing? methods were used to get the data requiered for creation of grids. I evaluated the advantages of Repertory Grid Technique in Physics with four different subjects. At the end of the study, Repertory Grid Technique proved to be successful in identifying the students? image related concepts of mechanics, cognitive levels the structure of thoughts and conflicting ideas. Cluster analysis used in the study tell us how different the students understanding of mechanical issues. In the study with the young age groups, it was clear that however much information they have about mechanics, they need to be evaluated in different ways and they carry all the major tips for understanding. Besides, students in college physics course as, for example, an object is affected by the gravitational force, the issues have clearly not in thought, this type of behavior with students about the mechanics of being linked to specific patterns have been observed to cause. Finally, RGT is effective in identifying the technical image of the students although they have very different theoretical structures.