A statistical technique designed to highlight the contributions of two continuous predictor variables to a continuous criterion variable is described. The technique involves selecting subpopulations, called pockets, via regression techniques. An example using cognitive styles to predict performance on problem-solving tasks is discussed.…

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of providing access to a case library of related stories while solving ill-structured problems. Describes experimental, comparable, and control group treatments and discusses results of multiple-choice tests and short answer questions. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that investigated problem-solving behavior in statistics by documenting differences between successful and unsuccessful students. Two methodological approaches are described: one required students to identify key structural features of common problems, and the second…

This study compared the effectiveness of the BASIC programming language and the HyperCard authoring language on promoting problem-solving skills and the reduction of computer anxiety. Two groups of students participated in the study. One group (N=13) received instruction on BASIC and the other (N=8) on HyperCard. Students in both groups responded…

Discussion of task motivation focuses on study that investigated the choice behavior of college students within a computer problem solving task as they controlled and selected problem difficulty levels which maximized either intrinsic interest or extrinsic reward. Sex differences are examined, and treatment for experimental and control groups is…

Teachers average a decision every two minutes when they are teaching. The kinds of decisions they make affect their students. One hundred twenty-two undergraduate and graduate education majors were tested to explore what decision they would make when confronted with problem statements related to the planning and delivery of instruction. The test…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether learning to program a computer in Pascal or FORTRAN improved problem-solving skills of college students when compared to a control group and to determine which programing language was more effective in the development of problem-solving abilities. (26 references) (LRW)

This dissertation presents the results of an investigation of visual mental imagery as a strategy hypothesized to increase the amount of interaction with content material and therefore the level of information processing and acquisition, and to assist information retrieval on posttests. Four treatments were used in a crossed, randomized two by two…

Reported is an experiment undertaken to determine the extent to which analytic and global cognitive styles differed in developing or utilizing a selection type strategy in concept identification. Using the Hidden Figures Test (HFT) in five sections of an introductory psychology class, two groups of students, one analytical and one global, were…

Describes study that was designed to determine the feasibility of using computer simulations as realistic training for undergraduate education students learning behavior management techniques in educational psychology courses. Treatments for the control and experimental groups are described, including extended instruction and group problem…

Discusses users' perceptions of computers versus human beings as advice givers in problem-solving situations based on two studies conducted at Stockholm University (Sweden). Examines people's self-confidence and perception of advice, and concludes that perception relates to existing attitudes, experience, and domain knowledge. (Author/LRW)

This study aimed at finding the optimal condition of written instruction and online practice for learning a new computer application. Subjects were 44 undergraduate and graduate students and university staff members. Those in the experimental group learned commands for an electronic spreadsheet by reading user-manual descriptions and working…

Discussion of the effects of variations in lesson control and practice on the learning of facts, procedures, and problem-solving skills during interactive video instruction focuses on a study of graduates and advanced level undergraduates learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Embedded questioning methods and posttests used are described.…

The process of forming operator schemata was studied in three experiments. In each experiment a greater amount of predictive information in a stimulus item increased the chance of selecting the operator accurately.

This paper presents a general framework for the process of answering questions from memory. The focus is primarily on verification and recognition tasks. Six experiments support the assumptions of the proposed framework. The experiments are designed to address the following categories of inquiry: (1) Can we adjust our strategy preference to mirror…