Analyzing Weaknesses in Qualitative Chemistry Analysis: A Study of Senior Secondary School Students in Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined common errors committed by senior secondary school students in qualitative analysis during chemistry practical in Plateau State. The study adopted a descriptive research survey design. One hundred students were randomly sampled from a population of one thousand two hundred and thirty-four students for the study. One instrument, the Pre-determined Common Errors Committed by Chemistry Students in Qualitative Analysis (PCECCSQA), was used to gather data from the respondents. The internal consistency of the (PCECCSQA) was determined using Kuder Richardson K-20 formula which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.78. Data collected were analyzed using mean, frequency and percentage count. The result of the findings revealed that chemistry students committed common errors such as reporting, confirmatory test, identifications of gases among others. The study concluded that poor reporting and students' inability to identify gases released during qualitative chemistry practical are major reasons for underachievement in chemistry. The study recommended that chemistry teachers should be more concerned about students’ practical report and encourage them to develop more sense of smelling during qualitative analysis.