MapToBooleanWithIf

This programming language misconception is about Boolean values, expressions of type bool, and conditionals.

Incorrect and Correct Conception

Convince Yourself

Run this code:

Do Now!

Explain what happened in this execution.

Replace replace the if-statement with just return num < 0 and run the code again.

Do Now!

Explain the change in behavior.

You see that the behavior is the same! The if-statement is not really necessary. It is perfectly fine to just write return num < 0.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about this misconception, including its possible origins, symptoms students who hold this misconception might exhibit, the related programming language concepts, links to the corresponding parts of the Python language specification, and related misconceptions, check out MapToBooleanWithIf in the progmiscon.org misconception inventory.

This activity has been created by LuCE Research Lab and is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

MapToBooleanWithIf

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