Projecting Is Such Sweet Sorrow: Undergraduate Students’ Interpretation of Fischer and Haworth Carbohydrate Projections

Abstract

This study investigates students' interpretation of Fischer and Haworth carbohydrate projections using think-aloud interviews through an asset-based (cognitive) resources approach. This research unveiled the emergence of resources undergraduate students use in interpreting carbohydrate projections, specifically fructose and glucose. Findings suggest that students possess an incomplete understanding of a concept and unproductive use of a resource for one projection yet are able to translate and have a complete understanding of a concept and productive use of a resource for the other projection, demonstrating flexibility and variability in the use of resources across related contexts.