Computer Programming and Logical Reasoning: Unintended Cognitive Effects

Abstract

Recent research results having to do with explicit instruction in computer programming and cognitive skills indicate an increased emphasis upon the structure of the learning environment surrounding programming languages. A new research direction concerned with transfer effects due to environmental aspects of programming instruction is emerging. A conceptual analysis of the syntax and semantics of the IF-THEN [ELSE] conditional command is presented which suggests that mastering a procedural language itself (independent of environment) might have unintended, indirect, and potentially negative effects upon fundamental intellectual skills. Research is reported which suggests that there are unintended side-effects upon childrens' conditional reasoning ability due to learning a procedural computer programming language.