ERIC Number: EJ957842
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Apr
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0965
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Distinct Discrimination Learning Strategies and Their Relation with Spatial Memory and Attentional Control in 4- to 14-Year-Olds
Schmittmann, Verena D.; van der Maas, Han L. J.; Raijmakers, Maartje E. J.
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, v111 n4 p644-662 Apr 2012
Behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuropsychological studies have revealed large developmental differences in various learning paradigms where learning from positive and negative feedback is essential. The differences are possibly due to the use of distinct strategies that may be related to spatial working memory and attentional control. In this study, strategies in performing a discrimination learning task were distinguished in a cross-sectional sample of 302 children from 4 to 14 years of age. The trial-by-trial accuracy data were analyzed with mathematical learning models. The best-fitting model revealed three learning strategies: hypothesis testing, slow abrupt learning, and nonlearning. The proportion of hypothesis-testing children increased with age. Nonlearners were present only in the youngest age group. Feature preferences for the irrelevant dimension had a detrimental effect on performance in the youngest age group. The executive functions spatial working memory and attentional control significantly predicted posterior learning strategy probabilities after controlling for age. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Age, Testing, Learning Strategies, Discrimination Learning, Hypothesis Testing, Short Term Memory, Probability, Children, Child Development, Models, Mathematics Education, Spatial Ability, Attention, Experimental Psychology, Child Psychology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A