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Does visualization enhance complex problem solving? The effect of causal mapping on performance in the computer-based microworld Tailorshop

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Abstract

Causal mapping is often recognized as a technique to support strategic decisions and actions in complex problem situations. Such drawing of causal structures is supposed to particularly foster the understanding of the interaction of the various system elements and to further encourage holistic thinking. It builds on the idea that humans make use of mental maps to represent their environment and to make predictions about it. However, a profound theoretical underpinning and empirical research of the effects of causal mapping on problem solving is missing. This study compares a causal mapping approach with more common problem solving techniques utilizing the standardized computer-simulated microworld Tailorshop. Results show that causal mapping leads to a worse performance in managing the Tailorshop and was not associated with increased knowledge about the underlying system’s structure. We conclude that the successful representation of the causal structure and the control of a complex scenario require the concerted interplay of cognitive skills that go beyond drawing causal maps.

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Acknowledgments

The authors want to thank Dr. Daniel Holt, University of Heidelberg, for his help in providing and installing the Tailorshop microworld.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Parmenides Center for the Study of Thinking, Parmenides Foundation, Kirchplatz 1, 82049, Pullach/Munich, Germany

    Michael Öllinger, Stephanie Hammon & Michael von Grundherr

  2. Psychological Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

    Michael Öllinger

  3. Institute of Psychology, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

    Stephanie Hammon & Joachim Funke

  4. Philosophical Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

    Michael von Grundherr

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  1. Michael Öllinger
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  2. Stephanie Hammon
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  3. Michael von Grundherr
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  4. Joachim Funke
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Correspondence to Michael Öllinger.

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Öllinger, M., Hammon, S., von Grundherr, M. et al. Does visualization enhance complex problem solving? The effect of causal mapping on performance in the computer-based microworld Tailorshop. Education Tech Research Dev 63, 621–637 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-015-9393-6

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