Concepts of mathematical infinity in adolescents and adults: Exploratory study

The book presents the author's master's thesis, which investigates different conceptions of mathematical infinity among adolescents and adults. Grounded theoretically in Genetic Epistemology, the methodology of this research was inspired by Piaget's clinical method. Data collection was carried out through an interview and three tests using concrete materials. The first test involves working with a very large but finite quantity. In the next two tests, one deals with an infinitely small number and the other with an infinitely large number. Through tests whose results tend towards infinity or very large numbers, we observe how the subject perceives the concept without its material form. The interview addresses questions that prompt the subject to reflect on infinity in different situations. The data analysis categorises the different notions of mathematical infinity, identifying the following categories: Inconceivable Existence, Unpredictable Existence, and Infinity as a representation of something that has no end.

Pagina's: 84, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing