Title: Developing and evaluating an interactive tutorial on degenerate perturbation theory,
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.