Speechless when thinking - about the role of speech for problem solving

Author(s): Dorner, D.

Journal/Book: Sprache Kognit. 1998; 17: Langgass-Strasse 76, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland. Verlag Hans Huber. 224-238.

Abstract: This article focuses on the ''classical'' topic of the relation between language and thinking. Empirical studies investigating the interaction of verbalization and problem solving are arbitrary. The results differ as to the instruction of verbalization and as to the characteristics of the task. This study investigates the performance of six groups of subjects working under different conditions: some of them were disturbed in their language behaviour, others were encouraged to verbalize. It could be shown that though they had to work on a non-verbal problem, subjects who are disturbed in their linguistic behaviour show a worse performance than controls. Furthermore it can be shown that ''thinking aloud'' does not guarantee an improvement of performance. Moreover there are specific aspects of thinking aloud supporting problem solving. Case studies reveal interesting results with respect to the specific structure of ''helpful'' verbalization. The differences found cannot be explained by different memory loads or by the degree of distraction.

Note: Article Bartl C, Otto Friedrich Univ Bamberg, Lehrstuhl Psychol 2, Markuspl 3, D-96045 Bamberg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): SELF-EXPLANATIONS

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