Developing and evaluating an interactive tutorial on degenerate perturbation theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates student difficulties with degenerate perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, then develops and preliminarily evaluates an interactive tutorial to improve understanding of this complex topic.

Contribution

The paper introduces a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) specifically designed to address common student difficulties with degenerate perturbation theory.

Findings

Students share common difficulties with DPT.

The QuILT aims to improve student understanding.

Preliminary evaluations show promising results.

Abstract

We discuss an investigation of student difficulties with degenerate perturbation theory (DPT) carried out in advanced quantum mechanics courses by administering free-response and multiple-choice questions and conducting individual interviews with students. We find that students share many common difficulties related to this topic. We used the difficulties found via research as resources to develop and evaluate a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) which strives to help students develop a functional understanding of DPT. We discuss the development of the DPT QuILT and its preliminary evaluation in the undergraduate and graduate courses.