The Role of Individual Differences in Choice of Strategy and Performance in a Computer-Based Task,
Abstract
Past research using different learning tasks has consistently shown different performance strategy patterns for field independent and dependent individuals. This research has shown that different computer environments affect how well individuals learn and that learning is dependent upon an individual's cognitive style (Morrison & Noble, 1987; MacGregor, Shapiro, & Niemiec; 1988). Other research has shown that there are individual differences (in cognitive ability, perceptual speed, and performance on a noun-pair task) in learning and executing computer tasks, specifically with regard to the type of interaction individuals choose to use (Schmidt-Nielsen & Ackerman, 1993). The present study is an attempt to correlate field dependence with performance strategies when using a specific task, the SigmaPlot graphing task. Field dependency, as measured by scores on the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) (Witkin, 1971), was correlated with the mean time to complete a graph. Contrary to previous findings, field dependency was not correlated with performance. However, it was found that years of computer experience, perceptual speed, and cognitive reasoning ability were.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA327872
Entities
People
- Deborah A. Boehm-davis
- Jennifer A. Bohan
- Raphael Marshall
Organizations
- George Mason University