Social Representations of Quantum of Physics Graduates: implications of initial training

Abstract

The increase in the term quantum linked to the supply of products that promise miraculous cures and a more prosperous life, highlights the need to discuss the origin of this term based on a scientific bias, in order to prevent subjects from being fooled by pseudosciences. The present work aimed to identify the social representations expressed by students of a Physics degree course regarding the term quantum and investigate whether the degree promoted changes in these representations. The methodology used is qualitative in nature, based on the central core theory. Data collection was carried out by applying a questionnaire to the participants and the technique used was Free Word Evocation. For data analysis, Prototypical Analysis was used in order to identify the probable core of Social Representations. The results indicate that incoming students associate the term quantum with Physics, but are unable to elaborate an in-depth justification regarding this association, while graduating students demonstrated representations influenced by scientific knowledge. With this, it is concluded that there was a change in the subjects' representations and that this change is related to the influences of the training process.