Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
05:12
Using Virtual Reality to Transfer Motor Skill Knowledge from One Hand to Another
Published on: September 18, 2017
Effects of learning from interaction with physical or mediated devices
1Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT, USA. FlanaganR@wcsu.edu
Cognitive Processing
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Children using virtual abacus tools for math skills showed deficits in advanced computation compared to those using physical abacus tools. This highlights potential impacts on foundational mathematical and cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Child Development
Background:
- The proliferation of online learning tools raises questions about their impact on foundational cognitive and spatial skills.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential detriment of virtual tools compared to physical manipulatives in early education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of physical versus virtual abacus use on third-grade children's mathematical and cognitive skill development.
- To assess the long-term impact of virtual learning tools on abstract spatial reasoning and advanced computation.
Main Methods:
- Sixty third-grade students were randomly assigned to practice math skills using either a physical wooden Chinese abacus or a virtual Chinese abacus.
- Performance was evaluated using a paper and pencil recognition test and by assessing the ability to apply abacus knowledge to advanced computational tasks.
Main Results:
- Both groups performed equally well on a recognition test.
- Children using the virtual abacus demonstrated significantly poorer performance in applying learned knowledge for advanced computations compared to the physical abacus group.
Conclusions:
- Virtual abacus use may negatively impact the development of advanced computational skills and the foundational cognitive abilities necessary for mathematics.
- The findings suggest a need for careful consideration of physical versus virtual tool integration in early educational settings to foster robust skill development.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Observational Learning
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because...
01:22Purposive Learning
E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a bonus...
01:21Cognitive Learning
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
01:18Introduction to Learning
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through practice or experience, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes. This acquisition occurs through interaction with the environment and requires practice or experience. For instance, mastering a skill such as surfing requires considerable practice and experience, highlighting the essential role of repeated interactions with the environment in learning.
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
01:27Associative Learning
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...