Geologic Principles and Plate Tectonics
Misconceptions and Educational Research
Common misconceptions include:
- Earthquakes and volcanism are related to warmer climates and to the ocean, rather than plate boundaries.
- The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is due to a rise in sea levels.
- The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the result of two plates colliding rather than spreading.
Research has been conducted on Earth science misconceptions:
DeLaughter, J. E., Stein, S., Stein, C. A., and Bain, K. R., 1998, Preconceptions Abound Among Students in an Introductory Earth Science Course, Eos, 79(36), 429.
Bisard, W. J., Aron, R. H., Francek, M. A., and Nelson, B. D., 1994, Assessing Selected Physical Science and Earth Science Misconceptions of Middle School through University PreService Teachers, Journal CST, September/October 1994.
