Stimulus generalization is often regarded as a fundamental component of category learning, yet it has not been directly studied in this context. Here we develop a technique for measuring generalization based on sequential effects in subjects’ responses. We find that patterns of generalization can adapt to global properties of the task, but only when the category structure is defined by perceptu...

Pre-tests are a non-graded assessment tool used to determine pre-existing subject knowledge. Typically pre-tests are administered prior to a course to determine knowledge baseline, but here they are used to test students prior to topical material coverage throughout the course. While counterintuitive, the pre-tests cover material the student is not expected to know, but serve as a motivational ...

Previous research has shown that participants’ comprehension of spatial information described in text improves when either graphics or animation accompanies the text (Morrison & Tverksy, 2001). This relationship was found to be true in all cases for low spatial ability participants; however, it was only true under the most difficult conditions for high spatial ability participants. When given e...

Individual differences can influence a learner’s ability to extract information from dynamic, interactive animations. (Lowe, 2004). In three previous experiments, the author demonstrated that 1) spatial ability; and 2) the frequency with which participants interacted with an animated computer model made significant contributions to performance on a spatial visualization task in which they had t...