Synthesis

The Emergence of Diagnostic Reasoning and Scientific Thinking

Principal Investigator:

Project Overview

Background & Purpose:

The goal of this project is to document children's diagnostic reasoning abilities and how they relate to the emergence of their scientific thinking and their metacognitive understanding of learning. We are investigating children's inferences both in laboratory settings and informal learning environments - specifically a children's museum. Our goal is to describe ways to promote early scientific thinking and concepts of learning.

Setting:

Brown University; Providence Children's Museum.

Research Design:

The project uses a cross-sectional research design and will generate evidence that is descriptive [observational], causal [experimental], and synthetic [meta-analysis]. Original data are being collected on children between the age of 3-12 using assessments of learning and survey research [self-completion questionnaire, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires]. All measures being used will be developed specifically for the project. Contact the PI for details.

Findings:

Findings will be posted as they become available.

Publications & Presentations:

http://www.cog.brown.edu/research/causalitylab/CML/Publications.html

Other Products:

An edited volume describing interactions between researchers and museum practitioners is planned.

On the Web:

http://www.cog.brown.edu/research/causalitylab/CML/Home.html

Discipline:

Science

Cognitive Science

State: