This study was designed to determine if sixth-grade students ' problem solving skills were improved by means of their experience with a computer-based logical puzzle game designed to increase reasoning skills , and, in turn, problem solving ability. Students worked on this game either in cooperative learning pairs or alone. Baseline and post experimental problem- solving ability was measured through the administration of a Problem Solving Test; Form A was utilized as a pretest for this purpose, Form B was used as a post- test. Comparisons of problem-solving ability based upon post- test scores (Form B) were made among four groups of students (N = 106) Group 1: Students (n = 26) who worked on the computer based puzzle game in cooperative learning pairs Group 2: Students (n = 27) who worked on the computer based puzzle game as individuals Group 3: Students (n = 24) who worked on a computer based social studies simulation in cooperative learning pairs Group 4: Students (n = 29) who worked on a computer based social studies simulation as individuals. A t-test comparison of post-test data between all students who worked on the puzzle game and all students who did not work on the puzzle game showed no significant difference between the two groups ' problem solving abilities. However, an analysis of variance comparing the means of all four groups showed that the students in Group 1 performed significantly better (F=3. 783, p
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1997 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Steven R. Terrell (Supervisor), Getrude W. Abraon (Advisor) & Laurie P. Dringus (Advisor) |
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