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Predecisional Search in Concept Formation: The Effects of Problem Complexity

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Abstract

Predecisional search was studied among 72 women Ss with concept formation problems in which total uncertainty, information per exemplar, and proportion of relevant attributes were controlled. Analyses of variance revealed significant effects for complexity of problem and proportion of relevant attributes upon (a) amount of information acquired, (b) amount of information unused, and (c) proportion of information used.

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This study is based upon a dissertation presented by the author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the doctor’s degree at the University of Delaware, 1963. Thanks are expressed to Dr. Robert C. Ziller, committee chairman and to Susanne Long, who helped with the tabulation of the data.

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Long, B.H. Predecisional Search in Concept Formation: The Effects of Problem Complexity. Psychol Rec 15, 197–202 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393586

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393586

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