Expert-Novice Differences In Electrical Circuit Analysis Based On The Order Of Attention

The difference between experts and novices during problem-solving has been established in several domains. However, in electrical engineering, studies are sparse. This study compares experts and novices in an introductory electrical engineering course. Four novices (students) and three experts (teachers) were made to solve eight circuit problems with a concurrent think-aloud protocol conducted remotely due to COVID restrictions in India at the time of the study. Experts predominantly followed the direction of the current showing a working-forward strategy. Conversely, Novices displayed a means-end approach by jumping to mathematical calculations more than anything else. In addition, the arrangement of complex circuits confused them as they tried to solve the circuits based on a superficial understanding of the problems. We discuss the results in the context of what is already known about expert-novice differences.