The effects of computer presentation and manipulation on young children's solution of geometric analogy problems /
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| Other Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1986.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy Link to ProQuest copy |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to explore how young children structure and solve geometric analogy problems by requiring them to construct solutions to analogy problems that were presented on a microcomputer. Twenty-four second graders and 24 kindergartners from three private day schools in the greater Houston, Texas area served as subjects. Three sets of research questions were investigated: can kindergartners and second graders construct solutions to geometric analogies, do they differ developmentally, and are there differences in the paper and computer versions of the test? The 24 kindergartners were randomly divided into four equal groups in a Solomon four group design with computer (Micro-TARC) or paper (Paper-TARC) versions of the Test of Analogical Reasoning in Children Form A administered one week apart. The 24 second graders were tested only with the Micro-TARC. Results of the analyses conducted on the first pair of research questions evaluated the performance and errors made by the two age groups suggested that kindergartners were performing at random levels on the Micro-TARC, while the second graders were performing at levels beyond those of the kindergartners. The errors made by the kindergartners were different from those made by the second graders. Statistical analysis of the second pair of research questions indicated significant group differences between the kindergartners and second graders, second graders outperforming the kindergartners on the Micro-TARC. Furthermore, the errors committed by the two groups were different. Second graders made approximately the same number of errors over the three solution dimensions, while the kindergartners made more errors on the more complex dimensions. Analysis of the third pair of questions suggested that the Micro-TARC form is significantly more difficult than the Paper-TARC. These results indicate a positive effect for taking the Paper-TARC prior to taking the Micro-TARC but ambiguous results for the effect of the Micro-TARC on the Paper-TARC. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Educational Psychology." |
| Physical Description: | x, 134 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-92). |