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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

Goode, N.; Beckmann, J.F.

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


Authors

N. Goode



Abstract

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.

Citation

Goode, N., & Beckmann, J. (2017). With a little help …: On the role of guidance in the acquisition and utilisation of knowledge in the control of complex, dynamic systems. Journal of dynamic decision making, 2, Article 5. https://doi.org/10.11588/jddm.2016.1.33346

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 21, 2017
Online Publication Date Feb 26, 2017
Publication Date Feb 26, 2017
Deposit Date Jan 27, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of dynamic decision making.
Publisher University Library Heidelberg
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 2
Article Number 5
DOI https://doi.org/10.11588/jddm.2016.1.33346

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