The relationship between problem‐solving behaviour and performance – Analysing tool use and information retrieval in a computer‐based office simulation.

Background: Problem‐solving competences have evolved into key skills for professionals. Computer‐based business simulations enable the analysis of problem‐solving processes beyond end results. An important aspect of successful problem‐solving is to systematically use built‐in tools and process the p...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 617 - 644
Autores principales: Ludwig, Sabrina, Rausch, Andreas
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Apr2023
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2023
      vid: 39
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        10.1111/jcal.12770
        162203190
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        atl: The relationship between problem‐solving behaviour and performance – Analysing tool use and information retrieval in a computer‐based office simulation.
      aug:
        au:
          Ludwig, Sabrina
          Rausch, Andreas
        affil: Chair of Economic and Business Education – Workplace Learning, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
      sug:
        subj:
          Problem Solving
          Computer Simulation
          Information Retrieval
          Information Storage
          Cluster Analysis
          Cognitive Therapy
          Data Mining
          Professional Competence
          Mental Processes
          Computing Methodologies
          Adult Education
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Young Adult
          Information Resources
          Clinical Assessment Tools
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Problem‐solving competences have evolved into key skills for professionals. Computer‐based business simulations enable the analysis of problem‐solving processes beyond end results. An important aspect of successful problem‐solving is to systematically use built‐in tools and process the provided information efficiently. Objectives: This investigation explores the relationship between students' tool use, information retrieval, and problem‐solving success in a computerized problem‐solving office simulation. Methods: Around 30,000 recorded behavioural log data points of 432 German vocational students were analysed. Results and Conclusion: Distinct user groups are identified and cognitive problem‐solving competences are assessed to draw a link between behaviour and performance. An explorative cluster analysis based on student behaviour revealed four clusters. Significant results support the use of two cognitive tools that lead to success. One successful behaviour is using a notepad, a domain‐general and voluntary tool. Another successful problem‐solving behaviour is the use of a domain‐specific and solution‐relevant spreadsheet program. Note‐taking organizes information and mental processes while the spreadsheet leads to efficient computing. In line with other studies, students with higher problem‐solving competences tend to access tools and documents providing information more frequently. Takeaways: Domain‐general tool use differs from domain‐specific tool use over time. There are two different successful behaviour patterns in complex problem solving. Instructional and simulation designers should provide specific tools to support students as well as tackle problems. Lay Description: Complex problem‐solving behaviour is very context‐specific.To the authors' knowledge, no study exists on the relationship between problem‐solving behaviour and success in a computer‐based office simulation in the business domain.Based on log files of 432 students, this study identifies student clusters demonstrating different behaviour and success.Regarding practical implications, instructional and simulation designers should provide specific tools to support students as well as tackle problems.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
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      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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