MAPPING TRENDS IN RESEARCH ON PHYSICS MISCONCEPTIONS IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN INDONESIA: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study analyzed research trends in high school physics misconceptions in Indonesia from 2020 to 2025 using a bibliometric approach with an exploratory descriptive design. Physics education aimed to develop students' conceptual knowledge, scientific skills, and holistic potential. Through Publish or Perish (PoP), 253 relevant articles were identified, and 50 were selected for bibliometric analysis. The publication volume increased steadily over the six-year period: 2020 (25 articles, 9.88%): Focused on developing diagnostic tests like Three-Tier and Four-Tier Tests using the Certainty of Response Index (CRI). 2021 (34 articles, 13.44%): Evaluated conceptual understanding during COVID-19 online learning. 2022 (40 articles, 15.81%): Emphasized misconception remediation using models like Cognitive Conflict, Predict-Observe-Explain (POE), and Discovery Learning. 2023 (47 articles, 18.58%): Centered on learning adaptations and diagnostic assessments under Kurikulum Merdeka. 2024 (53 articles, 20.95%): Incorporated digital media, technology, and Computer-Based Tests (CBT). 2025 (54 articles, 21.34%): Reached peak publications, expanding into Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) across various physics topics. VOSviewer network analysis showed that atomic concepts formed a major research cluster, led by atomic structure (40%), atomic nuclei (30%), radioactive decay (20%), and other topics (10%). Keyword co-occurrence analysis yielded 898 total links, indicating strong term connectedness. The central keyword was "Bibliometric Analysis," recording 89 occurrences, 49 links, and a total link strength of 412.