| The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of analogies and graphic organizers on the acquisition of verbal information. These schema activators were tested in relation to the learner's pre-existing knowledge or schemata about a science-related topic. Schema Theory is the theoretical foundation upon which this research was undertaken. Its conceptual framework corresponds to Kulhavy, Schwartz, and Peterson's (1986) model of encoding and retention.; Subjects were 162 eleventh and twelfth graders from the Florida State University Developmental Research School. A 3 x 2 factorial design with schema activators (three levels: analogy, graphic organizer, control) and prior knowledge (two levels: high and low) as independent variables was used. Processing activities, as measured by Reading Comprehension scores, were considered as a covariate. Effects of schema activators for different levels of prior knowledge were tested as well as the Kulhavy, Schwartz, and Peterson's model.; An analogy, a graphic organizer, and stimulus material were developed and formatively evaluated before application.; Data analyses included the use of Analysis of Covariance and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results indicate that schema activator groups performed significantly better than the control group on a posttest of verbal information learning. Prior knowledge was significantly related to students' performance, accounting for the greatest amount of variance. The interaction between the two factors was not significant.; The Kulhavy, Schwartz, and Peterson's model of encoding and retention, accounted for a significant but small amount of variance. The model, however, seems to be susceptible to increasing its explanation of variance by the addition of new variables and redefinition of some of the variables originally used in the model. Prior knowledge was the most important variable included in the model.; Results are analyzed in accordance with what theory suggests and what empirical studies have shown. The implication of the findings and future research areas are discussed. |
