The Existence of Alternative Framework in Students’ Scientific Imagination on the Concept of Matter at Submicroscopic Level: Macro Imagination

Abstract

This study is conducted with the purpose of identifying the alternative framework contained in students’ imagination on the concept of matter at submicroscopic level. Through the design of purposive sampling techniques, a total of 15 students are interviewed to obtain the data. Data from analysis document is utilized to strengthen the interview. The qualitative data is analyzed using the grounded theory analysis strategy. The finding shows there is an existence of alternative framework in the students’ scientific imagination: macro imagination. The image of hydrogen gas is the highest macro alternative framework imagination generated by the students while the second is the water molecules formation and followed by hydrogen molecules collision. On the other hand, no imagination is produced on the hydrogen electron. Hence, the emphasis on scientific concept upon imagination must be enhanced so that they are able to master the chemistry concepts at submicroscopic level. The summary of the implications of the study suggests that the teachers need to associate the students’ imagination with the related science concepts so that even they are imagining according to their own capabilities and interest propensity, they are still maintaining the scientific perspective in the course of their imagination.

Keywords: Imagination with alternative framework, Qualitative, Chemistry education, Submicroscopic level, Guided imagery, Macro imagination