The simple machine used to solve a problem predicts persistence, ranked NONE < RAMP < PEN < LEVER < SB¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2021 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Unsolved problems, ramp solutions, and pendulum solutions showed 43%, 16%, and 6% smaller persistence means than lever solutions, while springboard solutions showed a 5% larger mean. → Rahimi 2021

Evidence¶

Rahimi 2021¶

Rahimi, S., Shute, V., & Zhang, Q. (2021). The effects of game and student characteristics on persistence in educational games: A hierarchical linear modeling approach. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science (IJTES), 5(2), 141-165. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijtes.118

q2 · i? · associational · r2

HLM dummy-coded contrasts against the lever reference group showed all four categories differed significantly; springboard solutions had "a 5% larger persistence mean than the LEVER group, holding all other predictors constant."

"The categories unsolved problems (NONE), solved by a ramp (RAMP), and solved by a pendulum (PEN) had 43%, 16%, and 6% smaller persistence means than the solved by a lever (LEVER) group"

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Downgrading to simpler code after failure on personally hard levels is negatively associated with persistence on an unsolvable task — related
• Relative-Hards Solved Complex, a log measure of using complex code on personally difficult levels, predicts time spent on an unsolvable challenge task — related