KARST : Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika dan Terapannya
Vol 9 No 1 (2026): Karst: Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika dan Terapannya

Analysis of students conceptions on the kinetic theory of gases using the Three-Tier test

Muh Arfah (Universitas Muslim Maros, Indonesia)
Reski Idamayanti (Universitas Muslim Maros, Indonesia)
Agussalim (Universitas Muslim Maros, Indonesia)
Napsawati (Universitas Muslim Maros, Indonesia)
Syamsuriana Basri (Universitas Muslim Maros, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze students' conceptions of the kinetic theory of gases using the Three-Tier Test as a diagnostic instrument. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed involving 15 twelfth-grade students of MA Darussalam Barandasi in the 2025/2026 academic year. Data were collected using a Three-Tier diagnostic test consisting of answer selection, reasoning, and confidence level, and were analyzed using a response-combination rubric. The results show that most students demonstrated adequate conceptual understanding, particularly regarding the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of gas particles (13.33%) and the ideal gas law (33.33%). However, misconceptions were identified in the relationship between kinetic energy and gas pressure, the interpretation of gas-law graphs, and the application of the ideal gas law. These findings indicate that abstract concepts remain challenging despite students' relatively good basic understanding. The Three-Tier Test effectively identified hidden misconceptions and provided a comprehensive profile of students' conceptual understanding, making it a useful diagnostic tool for improving physics instruction.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

karts

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Materials Science & Nanotechnology Physics Other

Description

Jurnal Karst merupakan media komunikasi bagi para Peneliti, Dosen, Guru, Praktisi dan Mahasiswa untuk menyampaikan hasil kajian dan diutamakan hasil penelitian pada bidang Pendidikan Fisika, Ilmu Fisika dan Fisika Terapan. Jurnal Karst diterbitkan oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Fisika FKIP ...