An Examination of Some Individual Differences in Information Processing, Personality and Motivation with respect to Some Dimensions of Spatial Thinking or Problem Solving in TAFE College Students

Abstract

<p>This thesis examines some individual differences in information processing, personality and motivation with respect to restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving. The setting for the study is Ithaca TAFE College which has a client population that is representative of emergent client populations of most TAFE Colleges in Queensland. Separate models of individual differences in information processing, personality and motivation are examined with respect to restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving.</p> <p>The Luria theory of information processing provides a perception based model in which cognitive abilities are described in terms that are free from the traditional verbal-spatial dichotomy. Information is processed in two ways - successive (sequential and primarily temporal) and simultaneous (continuous and primarily spatial) in conjunction with the overall planning ability of cognitive control.</p> <p>The Myers-Briggs theory of personality describes two dichotomies of taking in information, and two dichotomies of making decisions. The Coopersmith theory of self esteem describes facets of motivation; central to the Coopersmith theory is the facet of Locus of Control .</p> <p>The Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Sets I and II, and the Silver Test are used as measures of restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving skills.</p> <p>In a first line analysis components of the models of individual differences in information processing, personality, and motivation and components of restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving are examined in relation to the underlying theories. The results generally are consistent with the theories.</p> <p>In a second line analysis multivariate analysis of variance is used to examine the differences between TAFE program groups, gender and components of information processing, personality and Locus of Control with respect to restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving. The findings suggest that TAFE program groups differ on some dimensions of personality. Males and females in the study appear to perform differently with respect to unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving, and there appear to be differences between males and females in stated preferences for decision making.</p> <p>Findings also suggest that there are differences between some dimensions of personality and the Locus of Control dimension of motivation, and between some dimensions of information processing and Locus of Control.</p> <p>Although this study is highly exploratory the findings indicate that further investigation of individual differences in information processing, personality and motivation, particularly the dimension of Locus of Control, with respect to restricted and unrestricted spatial thinking or problem solving is justified. Such differences are worthy of consideration in developing course methodologies that may facilitate more effective learning outcomes for TAFE College students.</p>