Current Search: Science--Study and teaching--Data processing (x)
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Title
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An investigation of the effect of gender, cognitive level, and attitude of seventh-grade science students on an identification of key variables task using an expert system.
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Creator
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Schmidt, Diane., Florida Atlantic University, Voss, Stephen
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Abstract/Description
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Problem. The study was designed to investigate the relationship of gender, cognitive level, and attitude with mastery of weather vocabulary and concepts, development of weather prediction skills and concepts, frequency of variables manipulated per trial using an expert system, and difference in attitude (pre and post treatment). These variables represent factors which may have importance in science instruction. Procedures. The sample included 83 7th grade students enrolled in general science...
Show moreProblem. The study was designed to investigate the relationship of gender, cognitive level, and attitude with mastery of weather vocabulary and concepts, development of weather prediction skills and concepts, frequency of variables manipulated per trial using an expert system, and difference in attitude (pre and post treatment). These variables represent factors which may have importance in science instruction. Procedures. The sample included 83 7th grade students enrolled in general science courses in a private school in an urban area. Assessment instruments included Test of Logical Thinking, Student Appraisal Inventory, Textbook Test, Prediction Test, and frequency of variables manipulated per trial while using the expert system, Weather Prediction. A record of grouping preferences while using the expert system and an opinion survey were employed. Findings and conclusions. (1) None of the independent variables (gender, cognitive level, or attitude) had a statistically significant correlation with the variables under study. (2) The analysis of variance produced no statistically significant relationship for mastery of weather vocabulary and concepts or mastery of weather prediction skills and concepts with the independent variables. Nor was there a significant relationship between difference in attitude and gender or cognitive level. (3) For this small sample, the interaction of gender, cognitive level and attitude did seem to have an effect on frequency of variables manipulated. High cognitive level females with low attitudes were the most methodical and low cognitive level males with high attitudes were the most random in their approach. This was a weak conclusion based on some unequal and small cell sizes. (4) An expert system computer program was found to be a useful tool in studying student manipulation of variables. Recommendations. (1) Recommendations for further study include: investigation into: (a) the effect of student practice on multivariate problems, (b) the effect of personality factors on student manipulation of variables, (c) the order and direction of change of frequency of variables manipulated by students, (d) the frequency of variables manipulated per trial by a larger number of subjects or different aged subjects. (2) Recommendations for curriculum planning, classroom management using computer programs, and for computer program development are also included.
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Date Issued
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1991
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12275
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Subject Headings
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Science--Computer-assisted instruction, Science--Study and teaching--Data processing
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Format
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Document (PDF)
