Biology Reasoning: The Positive Role of Inference and the Negative Role of Test-Taking Strategies

• In Event: Beliefs and Reasoning in Biology Learning

Abstract

We analyzed think-aloud protocols collected from students completing a previously-validated measure of reasoning in biology for undergraduates. Analyses of more than 3300 verbalizations showed a greater variety of strategies and more accurate inferences when questions were answered correctly. There was more monitoring, paraphrasing, and use of "recommended" test-taking strategies when questions were answered incorrectly.

Authors

• Tia M. Fechter, Human Resources Research Organization

• Jennifer G. Cromley, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Martin Van Boekel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Ting Dai, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Aygul N Dane, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign