A TYPOLOGY OF STUDENTS INTEREST IN PHYSICS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF GENDER AND AGE WITHIN EACH TYPE

This paper deals with the identification of qualitatively different ty pes of interest in physics among students in the 12-16 age range in Ge rmany. Using the statistical tool of mixed-Rasch analysis three groups of students with distinctly different interest patterns were identifi ed. The three types are characterized in terms of preferred interest p attern, age and gender distribution, preferences over other subjects a nd physics-related self-concept. The consequences for physics educatio n are discussed.