With a little help…: on the role of guidance in the acquisition and utilisation of knowledge in the control of complex, dynamic systems

Natassia Goode; Jens F Beckmann

doi:10.11588/jddm.2016.1.33346

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With a little help…: on the role of guidance in the acquisition and utilisation of knowledge in the control of complex, dynamic systems

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With a little help…: on the role of guidance in the acquisition and utilisation of knowledge in the control of complex, dynamic systems

Natassia Goode and Jens F Beckmann

Journal of Dynamic Decision Making, Vol.2, 5

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11588/jddm.2016.1.33346

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Abstract

Psychology

Design Practice and Management

complex problem solving

dynamic systems

knowledge acquisition

fluid intelligence

discovery learning

Many situations require people to acquire knowledge about, and learn how to control, complex dynamic systems of inter-connected variables. Numerous studies have found that most problem solvers are unable to acquire complete knowledge of the underlying structure of a system through an unguided exploration of the system variables; additional instruction or guidance is required. This paper examines whether providing structural information following an unguided exploration also improves control performance, and the extent to which any improvements are moderated by problem solvers' fluid intelligence. A sample of 98 individuals attempted to discover the underlying structure of a computer-simulated complex dynamic system. After initially controlling the system with their limited knowledge, half of the sample received guidance concerning the actual underlying structure of the system. All participants then controlled the system again. In contrast to the results of previous studies, guidance did result in immediate improvements in control performance. Fluid intelligence moderated the extent to which problem solvers benefited from structural information. These results indicate that guidance in the form of structural information is critical in promoting knowledge and control over complex and dynamic systems.

Details

Title: With a little help…: on the role of guidance in the acquisition and utilisation of knowledge in the control of complex, dynamic systems
Authors: Natassia Goode (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Jens F Beckmann (Author) - Durham University, United Kingdom
Publication details: Journal of Dynamic Decision Making, Vol.2, 5; 14
Publisher: Universitaet Heidelberg
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.11588/jddm.2016.1.33346
ISSN: 2365-8037
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451265102621
Output Type: Journal article

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