Using four-tier diagnostic test instruments to detect physics teacher candidates’ misconceptions: Case of mechanical wave concepts

This research purposes to detect misconceptions of physics teacher candidates in Yogyakarta on the topic of mechanical waves. This research uses descriptive analysis method. The sample consisted of 35 physics education students in Yogyakarta. Data collection used a four-tier diagnostic instrument (4WADI) developed by Caleon and Subramaniam. The descriptive analysis findings from this research stated the results of a four-tier diagnostic analysis test classifying students in five categories, including scientific conception, lack of knowledge, false positive, false negative and misconception. Based on the results, the percentage of physics education students’ misconceptions in Yogyakarta varies on each problem indicator. The biggest misconception occurred in general characteristics of waves and wave motion represented in the graph by 32.4% and by 30.0% misconceptions on the topics of wave frequency, waves source, and medium properties. In addition, student misconceptions on each sub-topic of mechanical waves are highly categorized and need specific attention to carry out remediation. This finding might be used as a reference for lecturers or teachers to consider sub-topics of mechanical waves that have a high potential for misconceptions. Therefore, lecturers and teachers can apply efficient and effective learning methods and strategies to eliminate students’ misconceptions.