A bibliometric analysis of PER on quantum mechanics in secondary schools

Abstract

With the second quantum revolution and the growing need of a competent workforce in Quantum Information Science, formal instruction on contemporary physics topics such as quantum mechanics (QM) is a particularly important component of modern secondary science education. Additionally, a formal introduction to physics is incomplete without an exploration of the quantum realm and the findings of the first quantum revolution. Exposure to QM can radically alter an individual’s view of the physical universe and can broadly engage secondary students. Exposure to QM in secondary schools has increased substantially in recent years yet is still an understudied area with a limited body of research on this topic. The aim of this paper is to analyze this body of research by bibliometric analysis, examining yearly output, citation index, author nationality, publishing venue, and keywords of relevant publications. The academic search engines SCOPUS and Web of Science were used to collect publications emphasizing the teaching and learning of QM at the secondary level. First, we present a quantitative analysis of the bibliometrics, followed by an assessment of publication trends in teaching and learning. Lastly, an analysis of research gaps and opportunities for further investigation is discussed.