Individual and Dyadic Problem Solving as a Function of Mental Ability through Computer Simulation

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of grouping (individual vs. dyad) and level of mental ability on complex problem-solving behavior. The problem ("Riddle of the Death of the Wooly Mammoth") is open-ended, data-rich, and simulated by computer. Hypothesized interactions between grouping (individual and dyad) and mental ability level (above average, above and below average, and below average) were found for (a) fluency criterion measures of amount of data requested and amount of data received and (b) the efficiency criterion measure of total time engaged in the problem. Significant main effects of ability level were found for data usage measures (proportions of positive and neutral information received and average time spent examining neutral information).