Improving Students' Understanding of Lock-in Amplifiers

TL;DR

This paper presents a research-based tutorial utilizing computer simulations to enhance students' understanding of lock-in amplifiers, addressing common misconceptions and improving conceptual grasp in physics education.

Contribution

It introduces a novel tutorial approach based on simulations and iterative testing to improve comprehension of lock-in amplifiers among students.

Findings

Students improved their understanding after using the tutorial.

The tutorial effectively identified and addressed common misconceptions.

Iterative development involved faculty and student feedback.

Abstract

A lock-in amplifier is a versatile instrument frequently used in physics research. However, many students struggle with the basic operating principles of a lock-in amplifier which can lead to a variety of difficulties. To improve students' understanding, we have been developing and evaluating a research-based tutorial which makes use of a computer simulation of a lock-in amplifier. The tutorial is based on a field-tested approach in which students realize their difficulties after predicting the outcome of simulated experiments involving a lock-in amplifier and check their predictions using the simulated lock-in amplifier. Then, the tutorial guides and helps students develop a coherent understanding of the basics of a lock-in amplifier. The tutorial development involved interviews with physics faculty members and graduate students and iteration of many versions of the tutorial with professors and graduate students. The student difficulties and the development and assessment of the research-based tutorial are discussed.