This paper discusses media comparison studies and reasons that research of this nature is pursued, especially in the area of computer-based interactive video (CBIV). Three scenarios are presented to demonstrate instances in which the knowledge of the relative effectiveness of CBIV is important and useful: (1) the case of the administrator who…

This study investigated the effects of sequence and synthesis prescriptions from the Elaboration Theory by teaching the parts of a microcomputer system based on a parts-conceptual structure. A 2x3 factorial design was used which incorporated two sequences, general-to-detailed and detailed-to-general, and three levels of synthesizer, i.e., no…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the variables found to influence learning in laboratory settings were able to produce effective student achievement when utilized in Venezuelan distance education. Three versions of the same instructional content were employed, and 42 volunteer college students were randomly assigned to three…

This study explored how, and what type of, procedural instructions influence a trade-off between planning and performance. There is a trade-off if longer planning time shortens performance time, improves performance efficiency, and improves accuracy. The relative effectiveness of nine combinations of illustrated and written instructions for an…

The purpose of this study was to replicate the Bentti, Golden, and Reigeluth study (1983), which explored the use of nonexamples to teach common errors as an effective strategy in teaching a procedure. A total of 24 undergraduate students enrolled in the Syracuse University Symphonic Band were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a…

In 1982, a study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the two individualized learning techniques used in the library instruction unit taught at Leeward Community College's library. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether there was a significant difference in the library instruction unit post-test scores of those college…

The effectiveness of elaborate visual cueing and reduced step size (i.e., increasing the number of visual cues) in facilitating student achievement on different instructional tasks was examined. The hypothesis proposed that instructional treatments utilizing reduced step size and elaborate visual cueing alone and in combination would be superior…

Following a review of the literature on responses of autistic persons to environmental stimulation, three experiments are detailed which examine the relationship between modality preference and rate of acquisition of a discrimination task. First, seven autistic children's preference for colored lights and/or simple tones was assessed in a sensory…

The effect of instructors and of using two different methods of teaching tennis on skill acquisition was investigated. Two hundred twelve subjects received beginning tennis instruction in either the traditional groundstroke (using a full grip) teaching method or the volley (using a graduated length grip) teaching method. To control teacher bias…

This report compares two methods of teaching BASIC programming used to develop computer literacy among children in grades three through seven in British Columbia. Phase one of the project was designed to instruct children in grades five to seven on the arithmetic operations of writing simple BASIC programs. Instructional methods included using job…

This study examines the effect of an entering behavior, i.e., the level of general knowledge of the subject matter, on the instructional effectiveness of illustrations which integrate abstract and realistic visualization. Subjects were 414 public school students who were divided into three groups according to their general level of knowledge of…

This study compares the effectiveness of three types of computer graphics display for computer-assisted instruction in (1) low level (boxed alphanumerics and schematics), (2) medium level (line drawings), and (3) high level (line drawings plus animations). Three groups of 30 enlisted personnel at the Engineering School and the Defense Mapping…

Using PLATO, a computer-assisted instruction system, a test was conducted to see if students respond most favorably to an instructional package that included no graphic display, still graphic display, or animated graphic display. Forty-five students at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, were the subjects. With the learning of the sine-ratio…