Overt vs Covert Problem Solving,Transfer Effects and Programming Sequence: 2. Katona Squares

Abstract

80 college freshmen, in 4 equal groups, served in an experiment on overt vs covert solving of 2 successive Katona Squares. Problem A (changing 3 into 4 squares) turned out to be more difficult than Problem B (changing 4 into 5 squares). Method and sequential order of 2 problems were independent variables. Analysis of median time in seconds, the criterion of relative efficiency, shows that the overt method takes less time but yields more positive transfer; the more difficult problem also yields more positive transfer; and programming from the easy to the difficult task is superior to the opposite sequence when solving is covert, but not much better for the overt method of solving two perceptual reasoning problems in changing Katona Squares.