EFFECTS OF DEGREE OF INITIAL ACQUISITION GROUP SIZE AND GENERAL MENTAL ABILITY ON CONCEPT LEARNING AND TRANSFER

Investigated the effects upon training and transfer of (1) general mental ability, (2) group size, and (3) degree of initial acquisition. 192 female Ss enrolled in psychological measurement, with an IQ range of 98-135, were stratified into 2 levels of general mental ability (high, low); were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (individuals, pairs, quads); and were trained under 1 of 2 degrees of initial acquisition. Results suggest that (1) though groups of 2 or more attain concepts more efficiently during training, individuals are more efficient during transfer; and (2) for a brief exposure to conceptual materials, low-ability pairing provides an optimal condition for learning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.