Non-algorithmic quantitative problem solving in university physical chemistry: a correlation study of the role of selective cognitive factors
(EN)
Tsaparlis, G.
(EN)
Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων. Σχολή Θετικών Επιστημών. Τμήμα Χημείας
(EL)
Tsaparlis, G.
(EN)
This work provides a correlation study of the role of the following cognitive variables on problem solving in elementary physical chemistry: scientific reasoning (level of intellectual development/developmental level), working"�memory capacity, functional mental (M) capacity, and disembedding ability (i.e., degree of perceptual field dependence-independence). Nine individual studies, with seven problems and with various samples of first"�year undergraduate chemistry students at the University of Ioannina, were used. The problems were open"�book, while the students were as a rule not supplied with the necessary data (facts, figures, values of constants, etc.). The results were analysed by calculating Spearman"™s Ο� and Pearson r correlation coefficients. In addition, the seven individual studies were combined using a quasi meta"�analysis (n = 250). The main findings are: (1) scientific reasoning showed lack of correlation; (2) working"�memory capacity also showed weak correlation, but stronger than scientific reasoning; and (3) functional M"�capacity and disembedding ability played a very important role. The field may thus be of paramount importance in the novel (for the students) non"�algorithmic problems used in this study. Implications of the findings are discussed.
(EN)
