Constructing and Revising Mental Models of a Mechanical System: The role of domain knowledge in understanding external visualizations
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: External visualizations such as diagrams and animations are frequently used to teach people about the workings of mechanical systems.The present study considers the types of mental models that can be constructed from visual-spatial (non-verbal) materials alone, and the extent to which people revise their incorrect mental models.Comparing 10 high physics knowledge participants to nine low physics knowledge participants, we assessed how these two groups constructed and revised mental models of a flushing cistern.High domain knowledge participants extracted more meaningful information from the materials, although their initial models of the system were not as accurate as expected.However, after answering comprehension questions and viewing the learning materials again, high domain knowledge participants were more likely to revise their mental models into correct representations of the system, whereas the participants with low domain knowledge continued to rely on incorrect models.The discussion of these findings focuses on how prior knowledge may contribute to understanding visual instructional materials.
Authors: Sarah Kriz, Mary Hegarty
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Award: G8876996369
OpenAlex ID: W2586408560