Geometric versus Thematic Stimuli in Concept Attainment in Selection Paradigm

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that selection strategies of Ss differ as a function of the nature of the stimulus array. The present paper suggests several problems with the construct of strategy and proposes a distinction between the encounter with informative instances and the assimilation of information from instances encountered. Several modifications in selection paradigm procedure are introduced to allow the measurement of these two dependent variables. Female college students were assigned to geometric or thematic stimulus-array conditions. Ss in the thematic condition performed significantly more poorly in the assimilation of information but did not differ from Ss in the geometric condition with regard to their selection of informative instances.