| In everyday life, individuals are confronted with a variety of problems presented to them in different modalities. Previous research has suggested that performance differences in problem representation may further be modulated by facilitative experiences, such as through practice (Williams & Noyes, 2007) or verbalization (Ahlum-Heath & Di Vesta, 1986). Using the clearly structured Tower of Hanoi puzzle the present study examined the interaction between mode of presentation, experience, and concurrent verbalization on problem solving performance. A 2 x 2 x 2 between subjects factorial design was employed to assess the effects of these variables on the efficiency of problem solving. The analysis of problem solving performance measures (time needed to reach solution, total number of moves, and proportion of optimal moves) across the mode of presentation (computer or physical piiz7le), experience (practice with 2- and 3-disk problems or no prior practice), and verbalization (concurrent verbalization of strategy rationale or no verbalization) conditions uncovered significant results. Initially, performance is improved for the physical modality compared to the computer version of the puzzle. After practice or making verbalizations, performance for the virtual mode of presentation improves to the same point as the physical task. Furthermore, the benefits of experience and verbalization are not cumulative. Therefore, it was concluded that as more information is represented externally in the structure of the problem, less cognitive resources are required to complete the task and performance improves. If data predominantly requires internal representation, then performance will suffer unless representations are refined using a shared cognitive mechanism which is activated by both practice and verbalization. |
