{"id":16749,"date":"2025-08-30T08:08:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T07:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/?page_id=16749"},"modified":"2026-03-02T06:29:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T00:59:08","slug":"atoms-dont-behave-that-way-investigating-student-misconceptions-in-stoichiometry-and-the-mole-concept","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/edu-mania\/edumania-an-international-multidisciplinary-journal-vol-03-issue-3\/atoms-dont-behave-that-way-investigating-student-misconceptions-in-stoichiometry-and-the-mole-concept\/","title":{"rendered":"“Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!” \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Vol-03, Issue-3 (Jul-Sep 2025)<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!\" \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Kumar, Sandeep<\/span><\/p>

Professor of Chemistry, and \u2018by courtesy of Psychology\u2019, School of Applied and Behavioral Sciences, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana<\/span><\/p>

ORCID: https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0009-0775-698X<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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DOI: <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9148<\/span><\/a><\/p>

Page No.: 216\u2013239<\/span><\/p>

Subject: Chemistry Education \/ Cognitive Psychology<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Received: June 02, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Accepted: June 07, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Published: July 01, 2025<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Thematic Classification: Stoichiometry, Mole Concept, Chemistry Education, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Student Misconceptions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Abstract\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Misconceptions in chemistry, particularly in stoichiometry and the mole concept, remain persistent challenges in science education. Despite curriculum innovations and technological interventions, many students continue to demonstrate conceptual errors that hinder their understanding of basic chemical processes. This research investigates the prevalence, origin, and nature of misconceptions in stoichiometry and the mole concept among senior secondary and undergraduate students. Drawing on conceptual change theories and integrating indigenous knowledge systems and AI-powered educational tools, the study aims to uncover the underlying cognitive frameworks that lead to these errors. Data was collected from 342 students across different academic levels through diagnostic assessments, interviews, and concept mapping techniques. The study identifies key areas of difficulty and evaluates instructional strategies such as conceptual change texts, visual models, and integrated art-based methods for their effectiveness in addressing misconceptions. The findings offer valuable insights into designing more effective chemistry curricula and teaching methodologies that align with students’ cognitive development.<\/span><\/p>

Keywords:<\/span> Misconceptions, Stoichiometry, Mole Concept, Chemistry Education, Conceptual Change, Indigenous Knowledge, AI in Education, Diagnostic Assessment<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Impact Statement\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The study “Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!” \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept holds significant implications for chemistry education by uncovering persistent conceptual misunderstandings that hinder learners\u2019 mastery of core chemical principles. By systematically identifying how students misinterpret atomic behavior, proportional relationships, and mole-based calculations, the research provides evidence-based insights for refining pedagogical strategies. The findings emphasize the need for instructional approaches that go beyond rote algorithmic problem-solving to foster conceptual clarity, visual reasoning, and representational fluency. Ultimately, this work not only equips educators with actionable interventions to bridge the gap between symbolic chemical equations and the particulate nature of matter but also contributes to long-term improvements in scientific literacy, enabling students to apply stoichiometric reasoning with accuracy and confidence in both academic and real-world contexts.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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About Author\n\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Dr Sandeep Kumar<\/span> is working as Professor of Chemistry and \u2018by courtesy of psychology\u2019 NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, and have more than two decades experience in teaching, research, curriculum development, counselling and leadership. His areas of interest are chemical education, research, behavioural science, teacher education and practices. As resource person, he has conducted more than 225 training programs for the school and higher education teachers. He has been awarded with numerous prestigious National and International Awards. He has participated and presented research articles in more than 200 National and International conferences. He has been invited as keynote speaker, guest of honour, conference chair, and resources person in various National and International Conferences. He is associated with various National and International Organizations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cite this Article\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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APA 7th Edition:<\/span> Kumar, S. (2025). “Atoms don\u2019t behave that way!” \u2013 Investigating student misconceptions in stoichiometry and the mole concept. <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>3<\/span>(3), 216\u2013239. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9148<\/span><\/a><\/p>

MLA 9th Edition:<\/span> Kumar, Sandeep. “”Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!” \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept.” <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, vol. 3, no. 3, 2025, pp. 216-239. doi:10.59231\/edumania\/9148.<\/span><\/p>

Chicago 17th Edition:<\/span> Kumar, Sandeep. 2025. “”Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!” \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept.” <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span> 3, no. 3: 216\u2013239. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9148<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Statements and Declarations\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Peer-Review Method:<\/span> Double-blind peer-reviewed by experts in Chemical Education.<\/span><\/p>

Competing Interests:<\/span> The author, Sandeep Kumar, declares no potential conflicts of interest.<\/span><\/p>

Funding:<\/span> Supported by the School of Applied and Behavioral Sciences, NIILM University, Kaithal.<\/span><\/p>

Data Availability:<\/span> Survey and diagnostic test results supporting the findings are available from the author on reasonable request.<\/span><\/p>

Licence:<\/span> \u00a9 2025 by Sandeep Kumar is licensed under <\/span>CC BY 4.0<\/span>. Published by ICERT.<\/span><\/p>

Ethics Approval:<\/span> Conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of NIILM University, ensuring participant confidentiality and academic integrity<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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References<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  1. Kumar, S. (2024a). An analysis of common misconceptions in chemistry education and practices. <\/span>International Journal of Applied and Behavioral Sciences<\/span>, <\/span>1<\/span>(1), 1\u201311. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.70388\/ijabs24701<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li>

  2. Kumar, S. (2024b). Effect of concept-based cartoons as art integration on alternative concepts in chemical bonding. <\/span>Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>3<\/span>(3), 286\u2013302. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7735<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li>

  3. Kumar, S. (2024c). Remediation of chemical bonding misconception through conceptual change text. <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>2<\/span>(3), 63\u201373. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9056<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li>

  4. Kumar, S. (2025a). Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into the teaching of environmental chemistry. <\/span>Edumania International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>03<\/span>(02), 94\u2013106.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  5. Kumar, S. (2025b). Enhancing conceptual understanding in chemistry education through AI-powered tutoring systems. <\/span>Shodh Sari International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>04<\/span>(02), 212\u2013228.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  6. Kumar, S. (2025c). Developing effective instructional strategies for teaching organic chemistry reaction mechanisms. <\/span>Shodh Sari International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>04<\/span>(01), 147\u2013165.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  7. Novick, S., & Nussbaum, J. (1981). Pupils\u2019 understanding of the particulate nature of matter: A cross-age study. <\/span>Science Education<\/span>, <\/span>65<\/span>(2), 187\u2013196. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/sce.3730650209<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li>

  8. Taber, K. S. (2002). Chemical misconceptions: Prevention, diagnosis and cure, <\/span>I<\/span>: <\/span>Theoretical background<\/span>. Royal Society of Chemistry.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  9. Treagust, D. F. (1988). Development and use of diagnostic tests to evaluate students\u2019 misconceptions in science. <\/span>International Journal of Science Education<\/span>, <\/span>10<\/span>(2), 159\u2013169. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/0950069880100204<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li>

  10. Wandersee, J. H., Mintzes, J. J., & Novak, J. D. (1994). Research on alternative conceptions in science. In D. L. Gabel (Ed.), <\/span>Handbook of research on science teaching and learning<\/span> (pp. 177\u2013210). Macmillan.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal Vol-03, Issue-3 (Jul-Sep 2025) An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006 “Atoms Don\u2019t Behave That Way!” \u2013 Investigating Student Misconceptions in Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept Kumar, Sandeep Professor of Chemistry, and \u2018by courtesy of Psychology\u2019, School of Applied and Behavioral Sciences, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana ORCID: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":14833,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16749","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16749"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28833,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16749\/revisions\/28833"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}