Pupils, teachers, induced incorrect generalization and the concept of ‘force’

Using a pencil‐and‐paper test it is demonstrated that Induced Incorrect Generalization (IIG) is operative in generating amongst groups of pupils alternative conceptions about the concept of ‘force’. The process of conceptual reversibility, the process of conceptual continuity, and the process of conceptual extrapolation form the basis of the creation of these IIGS. Evidence has also been obtained that the alternative conceptions of teachers are not very much different from those of the pupils as far as the concept of ‘force’ is concerned.