Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
12:49
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS of Wernicke's and Broca's Areas in Studies of Language Learning and Word Acquisition
Published on: July 13, 2019
17.3K
Enhancing declarative concept application: The utility of examples as primary targets of learning
Kathryn T Wissman1, Amanda Zamary2, Katherine A Rawson2
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Applied
|May 5, 2022
Summary
Learning examples, not just definitions, improves students' ability to apply declarative concepts in new situations. This strategy enhances understanding and application of foundational knowledge in introductory courses.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Declarative concepts are abstract terms with definitions applicable in various contexts.
- A key educational goal is enabling students to apply knowledge in novel scenarios.
- Learning examples show promise for enhancing declarative concept application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of using examples as the primary learning target for declarative concept application.
- To compare learning outcomes when participants recall definitions versus examples.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted involving textbook passages with 10 declarative concepts (definitions and examples).
- Participants practiced recalling either the definition or the example for each concept.
- Declarative concept application was measured as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated greater declarative concept application after practicing with examples compared to definitions.
- This finding was consistent across both conducted experiments.
Conclusions:
- Learning examples as primary targets is an effective strategy for improving declarative concept application.
- This method supports the use of definitions, which are fundamental in many academic courses.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
239
The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
239
01:24Natural and Artificial Concepts
281
In psychology, concepts can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. Natural concepts are formed through direct or indirect experiences. For example, consider the concept of snow. If you live in a place with regular snowfall, such as Essex Junction, Vermont, you know snow through direct experiences. You’ve seen it fall, touched it, shoveled it, and played in it. You recognize its texture, appearance, and even its smell. In contrast, if you live on an island like Saint...
281
01:15Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning
778
Classical conditioning not only includes the initial pairing of stimuli but also extends to more complex forms, such as higher-order conditioning. Higher-order conditioning involves creating associations beyond the primary conditioned stimulus, resulting in a chain of conditioned responses.
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...
778
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
981
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
981
01:21Cognitive Learning
680
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...
680
01:23Mnemonic Devices
190
Mnemonic devices are cognitive tools that facilitate memory retention by linking new information to familiar patterns or organizational strategies. These techniques are beneficial for remembering complex or lengthy sets of information by simplifying and structuring them in easily retrievable ways.
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
190