Conceptual Development and Information-Processing: A Study of Teachers

Abstract

This study examined the effects of three self-instructional approaches of teaching diagnostic problem-solving (troubleshooting). Two of the approaches attempted to simulate student-equipment interaction via programmed and text instruction while a third approach utilized actual equipment. After forty-five community college students received an orientation to equipment operation, fifteen were randomly assigned to each of the three treatments. Criterion variables included troubleshooting knowledge, troubleshooting performance, and attitude toward instruction received. Results indicated that the equipment approach was superior to non-equipment simulation approaches in terms of troubleshooting performance outcomes. Correlational analyses of criterion variables provided some evidence that relationships between attitude and behavior were dependent upon the instructional approach used.