Knowledge Resource
Research Summary: Impact of virtual and hands-on laboratory experimentation on the acquisition of conceptual science knowledge: a meta-analysis
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- Frontiers in Education
- Summary & Analysis prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource type
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Resource published on AZIZ OS
- 25 September 2026
- Last updated
- 26 September 2026
- Reading time
- 1 min
- Publication type
- Knowledge Resource
- Availability
- Open access
About this Summary & Analysis
AZIZ OS provides independently prepared summaries and analytical interpretations of externally published research and knowledge sources. The underlying works remain attributable to their original authors and rights holders. This resource is intended to improve accessibility and understanding and does not replace the original publication.
A meta-analysis comparing virtual and hands-on laboratory experimentation found that both methods contribute to acquiring conceptual science knowledge. Virtual labs address many practical limitations of hands-on methods and may offer comparable or superior effectiveness in promoting learning.
Why it matters
This research provides critical insights into effective pedagogical approaches for science education, highlighting the potential of virtual environments to enhance learning outcomes while addressing practical constraints. Strategic consideration of these findings can inform resource allocation and instructional design across educational institutions and professional development programs.
Key insights
- Hands-on laboratory experimentation is an important method for conceptual science knowledge acquisition.
- Practical application of hands-on experimentation has several limitations.
- Virtual laboratory experiments can overcome many of the shortcomings associated with hands-on activities.
- Virtual laboratories may be more effective than hands-on activities in promoting conceptual science knowledge acquisition.
- The analysis was based on a meta-analysis of 43 studies using predefined inclusion criteria and PRISMA principles.
Source
Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1869632
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Verification
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- Verification ID
- ASA-EXE-2026-00765
- Version
- v1.0 · r0
- Issued
- 25 September 2026
- Resource prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource status
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Underlying work
- Impact of virtual and hands-on laboratory experimentation on the acquisition of conceptual science knowledge: a meta-analysis
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- Frontiers in Education
- Provenance status
- Attribution requires verification
- Rights
- Underlying publication rights remain with the respective copyright holder(s). Refer to the original source for authoritative publication and licensing information.
This verification confirms the AZIZ OS resource record and its documented provenance. It does not establish authorship of the underlying external work.