Quantifying Non-Newtonian Reasoning in Mechanics

Abstract

This thesis studies non-Newtonian reasoning in mechanics through Force Concept Inventory responses. It combines a large-scale dataset with a reduced ten-item survey administered to Physics and Engineering students in Barcelona. Answers are classified as Newtonian, Aristotelian, or residual, and are analyzed with response frequencies, Bao–Redish model analysis, and transition matrices. Overall, Aristotelian reasoning persists beyond instruction and academic level, and student responses are better described as mixed states than pure models.