The Importance of Group Size in the Use of Problem-Solving Skills on a Microcomputer

Abstract

Sixty-six seventh and eighth grade students were tested to find if group size was related to microcomputer problem-solving success and time to solution of problems. Individuals or groups of two, three or five students attempted to solve problems requiring the indirect linking of twenty clues. The microcomputer was used as a data presentation and recall device for students and a data gathering device for the researchers. The number of problems successfully solved significantly differed based on group size with students in groups scoring best. There were no differences in time to solve problems based on group size but practice significantly decreased problem-solving time for all.