A theoretical account of the mirror effect for word frequency and of dissociations in the pattern of responding Remember vs. Know (R vs. K) for low- and high-frequency words was tested both empirically and computationally by comparing predicted with observed data theory in 3 experiments. The SAC (Source of Activation Confusion) theory of memory makes the novel prediction of more K responses for high- than for low-frequency words, for both old and new items. Two experiments used a continuous presentation and judgment paradigm that presented words up to 10 times. The computer simulation closely modeled the pattern of results, fitting new Know and Remember patterns of responding at each level of experimental presentation and for both levels of word frequency for each participant. Experiment 3 required list discrimination after each R response (Group 1) or after an R or K response (Group 2). List accuracy was better following R responses. All experiments were modeled using the same parameter values.

iv Although providing feedback is commonly practiced in education, there is general agreement regarding what type of feedback is most helpful and why it is helpful. This study examined the relationship between various types of feedback, potential internal mediators, and the likelihood of implementing feedback. Five main predictions were developed from the feedback literature in writing, specifically regarding feedback features (summarization, identifying problems, providing solutions, localization, explanations, scope, praise, and mitigating language) as they relate to potential causal mediators of problem or solution understand and problem or solution agreement, leading to the final outcome of feedback implementation.To empirically test the proposed feedback model, 1073 feedback segments from writing assessed by peers was analyzed. Feedback was collected using SWoRD, an online peer review system. Each segment was coded for each of the feedback features, implementation, agreement, and understanding. The correlations between the feedback features, levels of mediating variables, and implementation rates revealed several significant relationships. Understanding was the only significant mediator of implementation. Several feedback features were associated with understanding: including solutions, a summary of the performance, and the location of the problem were associated with increased understanding; and explanations to problems were associated with decreased understanding. Implications of these results are discussed. THE NATURE OF FEEDBACK: HOW DIFFERENT TYPES OF FEEDBACK AFFECT WRITING PERFORMANCEMelissa INTRODUCTIONAlthough giving feedback is a generally accepted practice in educational settings, specific features of effective feedback, such as the complexity (i.e., more versus less information) and timing (i.e., immediate versus delayed) of feedback, have been largely disputed (see Mory, 2003; 1996 for review). Moreover, for a complex task such as writing, the conditions that influence feedback effectiveness are likely to be correspondingly complex. An understanding of the conditions under which writers implement feedback they receive is critical to promoting improved writing. The goal of the present study is to identify some of these conditions, based on the hypothesis that specific mediating causal pathways allow external features to influence the writer's implementation of feedback. We are particularly interested in the case of peer feedback.Peers are increasingly used as a source of feedback, both in professional and instructional settings (Toegel & Conger, 2003;Haswell, 2005). Advice regarding useful peer feedback is particularly lacking.Beyond the specific focus of feedback in writing, there is a long, more general history of research on feedback. Overall, three broad meanings of feedback have been examined (Kulhavy & Wager, 1993): 1) some feedback, such as praise, could be considered a motivator that increases a general behavior (e.g., writing or revision activities overall); 2) feedback may specifi...

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The bridge between engineering design and cognitive science research is critical to understand the effectiveness of design methods as implemented by human designers. The study reported in this paper evaluates the effects of design fixation in a group of engineering design faculty, and also provides evidence for approaches to overcome design fixation. Three conditions are compared, a control, a fixation group whom were provided with an example solution, and a defixation group whom were also given materials to mitigate their design fixation. Measures include indicators of design fixation and participant perceptions. The study demonstrates that the engineering design faculty show statistically significant evidence of design fixation, but only partially perceive its effects. This study also indicates that design fixation can be mitigated. The group of participants in this study, due to their background in engineering design research and experience with student design teams, was expected to have more accurate perceptions or awareness of design fixation than the typical participant. Understanding the incongruities between participant perceptions and quantitative design outcomes are particularly of interest to researchers of design methods. For this study, clear evidence exists that designers, even those that study and teach design on a regular basis, do not know when they are being influenced or fixated by misleading or poor information.