Hedgehog Game

This is a computerized assessment of conceptions about force and motion. The forces are represented as cartoon hedgehogs. A range of difficulty is presented from single force problems, through slightly complex two-force problems (i.e., both forces in the same direction), and up to complex problems (i.e., the forces arrayed at 180° and 90° to each other). The first half of the test requires prediction (i.e., shown two forces, determining where a ball will end up after they have both acted upon it) and the second half requires inference (i.e., given a goal and one force, determining where a second force should be places so as to reach the goal). Forces vary in both size and timing. Answer choices were selected so that patterns of responses indicate different conceptions.

Reference:

Harris, J., George, N. R., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Newcombe, N. S. (2018). Where will it go? How children and adults reason about force and motion. Cognitive Development, 45, 113 - 124.

Population: 5.5 – 6.5 years & 18+

Test Location: Please, email Justin Harris: justin.harris.phd@gmail.com

Information Updated as of May 1, 2024