ERIC Number: EJ912767
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jul
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9010
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Relating Indices of Knowledge Structure Coherence and Accuracy to Skill-Based Performance: Is There Utility in Using a Combination of Indices?
Schuelke, Matthew J.; Day, Eric Anthony; McEntire, Lauren E.; Boatman, Paul R.; Boatman, Jazmine Espejo; Kowollik, Vanessa; Wang, Xiaoqian
Journal of Applied Psychology, v94 n4 p1076-1085 Jul 2009
The authors examined the relative criterion-related validity of knowledge structure coherence and two accuracy-based indices (closeness and correlation) as well as the utility of using a combination of knowledge structure indices in the prediction of skill acquisition and transfer. Findings from an aggregation of 5 independent samples (N = 958) whose participants underwent training on a complex computer simulation indicated that coherence and the accuracy-based indices yielded comparable zero-order predictive validities. Support for the incremental validity of using a combination of indices was mixed; the most, albeit small, gain came in pairing coherence and closeness when predicting transfer. After controlling for baseline skill, general mental ability, and declarative knowledge, only coherence explained a statistically significant amount of unique variance in transfer. Overall, the results suggested that the different indices largely overlap in their representation of knowledge organization, but that coherence better reflects adaptable aspects of knowledge organization important to skill transfer. (Contains 3 footnotes and 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Intelligence, Rhetoric, Computer Simulation, Validity, Cognitive Structures, Knowledge Representation, Correlation, Training, Computer Software, Universities, Males, College Students, Psychology, Introductory Courses
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio; Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A