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A Comparison of Programmed Text and Conventional Text for Behavioural Science Instruction in Singapore
Thesis Abstract:
An experiment was carried out to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the programmed text (PT) and the conventional text (CT) in presenting reading materials to supplement mass lectures. Effectiveness was measured in terms of a set of criteria, namely; knowledge gain, delayed recall, reading and testing time, and preferences for and attitudes toward a presentation technique.
Two sets of instructional materials were prepared on the subject of S-R Psychology (associative learning) - one set in the linear programmed format, and the other in the conventional prose format. Both sets had equivalent content, identical sequence, and similar examples.
The experiment was conducted among a new batch of university graduate teachers enrolled at the Institute of Education, Republic of Singapore. They were randomly divided into two groups, each experimental subject was alternately exposed to the PT and CT treatment. After exposure, they immediately took the post test. Two weeks later, they took the delayed recall test.
It was found that there were no significant differences between PT and CT in terms of knowledge gain, delayed recall, and testing time. However, the mean PT reading time was significantly longer than the mean CT reading time. Also, a comparison of the post test scores showed that there was a significantly larger proportion of PT scores above the common mean compared with the CT scores.
While treatments contributed 60 percent to the variance in student performance, the other variables - subject characteristics, attitudes, acceptability, clarity, ease of reading and understanding, effectiveness, and suitability. Also, the majority were favorably disposed toward the basic features of the PT, such as breakdown of knowledge in small units, progress in sequential steps, repetition of concepts, and self-study through PT. They also wanted to see the PT introduced in presenting reading materials to supplement mass lectures.
