Using spectral analysis to probe the continuum of problem solving ability among practicing organic chemists

David Paul Cartrette, Purdue University

Abstract

This project sought to describe problem solving behaviors of organic chemists when they are faced with combined spectral analysis problems. Graduate students and organic chemistry faculty were asked to solve five combined spectral analysis (IR and 1H NMR) problems using the think aloud technique. Participant performance on these tasks was ranked by a grading rubric generating groupings of less successful and more successful participants. The more successful participants adopted consistent problem solving approaches to the problems, relied more heavily on coupling information in 1H NMR interpretation, and drew molecular fragments as they were deduced in the problem solving process. Less successful participants demonstrated varied approaches to solving problems of this type, tended to draw entire molecules soon in the solution attempt, and to not consistently calculate the degree of unsaturation in a molecule. Experience from research and teaching also were found to be important influences on success rate. The outcomes of this study indicated that among graduate students and organic chemistry faculty, there are differences in problem solving ability. The key differences between the more and less successful participants are the consistency of problem attack, drawing molecular structures in their entirety versus in a piecemeal fashion, and the use of coupling information from the NMR spectrum.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Bodner, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Science education|Organic chemistry

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