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Methodological limitations for the use of expert systems techniques in science education research
Author(s) -
Willson Victor L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of research in science teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.067
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1098-2736
pISSN - 0022-4308
DOI - 10.1002/tea.3660270107
Subject(s) - competence (human resources) , science education , educational research , construct (python library) , psychology , research methodology , mathematics education , naturalistic observation , engineering ethics , computer science , social psychology , sociology , population , engineering , programming language , demography
Abstract The use of the expert‐novice technique in science education is examined critically. Four techniques that have been associated with expert‐novice investigations are discussed with respect to their methodological limitations: intact groups comparisons, think‐aloud procedure, retrospective studies, and naturalistic inquiries. All four, it is suggested, have serious limitations in their capability to inform instructional research. It is argued that experimental design is still the most appropriate method of use in assigning cause in instructional research involving novices and change in novices. Another question is raised regarding the appropriate target populations for expert‐novice research, and it is suggested that the concept of competence should be substituted for expertise. Appropriate populations under this construct are students who have moved from novice to competence.