CVS skill is the strongest predictor of performing valid (unconfounded) experiments in simulation-based inquiry¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q3
Currency · newest study 2026 · checked against its sources 2026-10-20 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Higher CVS skill predicted a higher likelihood of valid experiments (OR = 1.20, CI [1.16, 1.23]), with smaller effects of extraneous load (OR = 0.93) and content knowledge (OR = 1.06). → Gerdesmann 2026

Evidence¶

Gerdesmann 2026¶

Gerdesmann, D., Schwichow, M., & Koerber, S. (2026). Factors that explain simulation-based inquiry performance in physics learning. Instructional Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-026-09806-2

q3 · i? · associational · r2

Logistic regression at the trial level, where each trial comparing conditions A and B was coded valid when exactly one independent variable was varied, tested hypothesis H2.3. "Higher CVS skill (OR = 1.20, CI [1.16, 1.23]) emerged as the strongest predictor"; quasi-binomial and beta sensitivity checks yielded nearly identical results.

"Higher CVS skill (OR = 1.20, CI [1.16, 1.23]) emerged as the strongest predictor, with smaller effects from extraneous load (OR = 0.93, CI [0.89, 0.97]) and content knowledge (OR = 1.06, CI [1.03, 1.09])."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Cognitive factors explain about 49% of variance in simulation-based inquiry performance among young adults — related
• Cognitive inquiry skills are positively intercorrelated, but the functional thinking–CVS correlation diminishes when controlling for content knowledge — related
• Physical and virtual instructional materials are equally effective for teaching fourth- and fifth-graders to design unconfounded experiments when instructional method is controlled — related
• Instruction increased robust CVS use — designing unconfounded experiments plus providing a CVS rationale — in individual interviews — related
• Individual children in both training conditions were equally likely to become good experimenters or nonlearners after CVS training — related
• Latent profile analysis identifies three learner profiles differing in cognitive factors, self-concept, and extraneous load, with significant performance differences — related
• Classroom expository CVS instruction dramatically increased fourth graders' CVS performance in individual hands-on interviews — related
• Dispositional factors add little to predicting inquiry performance except physics self-concept, and extraneous load has a significant negative effect — related
• In multiple regression, the percentage of exploratory experiments was the strongest predictor of performance success, negatively related to it