Using Time More Efficiently: Converting an Interview Protocol to a Survey

Paul B. Golter; Olusola Adesope; Bernard J. Van Wie

doi:10.18260/p.27170

Interviews are an effective method for determining student misconceptions and depth of understanding, however an interview is very time consuming both to implement and analyze. A researcher is left with the choice between applying an interview protocol broadly, but lacking time for other assessments [1]; or interviewing a subset and gaining a more limited picture of student understanding [2]. An alternative is to convert the interview to a survey consisting of open-ended questions that probe the same areas. This study is part of a large engineering education program of research that examines a method to correct student misconceptions in fluid mechanics and heat transfer by the classroom addition of hands-on learning activities designed to challenge misconceptions. In this paper, we will report on the conversion, to a survey protocol, of an interview protocol designed to determine student misconceptions regarding Chemical Engineering Fluid Mechanics. By utilizing an electronically administered survey, researchers can increase the number of respondents or participants in comparison to limited interviews. In addition, researchers can eliminate transcription errors and reduce the time required to collect, manage, and analyze the data. The benefits come at a cost of flexibility, in that the researcher is unable to dynamically ask probing follow-up questions to illuminate a point. This will be mitigated by supplementing the survey with small number of interviews targeted at key topics as determined by analysis of the survey data. This survey protocol is currently being developed, and will be implemented and refined during a spring semester junior-level Chemical Engineering course. Thereafter, we will examine the degree to which our survey protocol was able to leverage the benefits explicated above. This paper will report on the results, and provide practical implications for researchers on performing a similar conversion. 1. Brown, S., et al., Effectiveness of an interactive learning environment utilizing a physical model. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Pracice, 2014. 140(3). 2. Burgher, J.K., et al. Comparing Misconceptions in Fluid Mechanics Using Interview Analysis Pre and Post Hands-on Learning Module Treatment. in American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference3. 2014. Indianapolis, IN.

Using Time More Efficiently: Converting an Interview Protocol to a Survey

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