Strauss's dual disequilibrium framework extended with a Bias directionality indicator¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article tests and extends Strauss's (1972) elaboration of Piaget's equilibration model, which distinguishes two aspects of structural instability: "external disequilibrium refers to the interplay of current structure with discrepantenvironmental events" and "internal disequilibrium refers to contradictionswithin the existing structure itself." Internal disequilibrium is operationalized as level mixture, a tendency to respond at several reasoning levels. The authors add a Bias indicator measuring the directionality of non-modal responses (above vs. below the mode) to distinguish subjects likely to advance from those likely to consolidate. The framework predicts that external disequilibrium determines the direction of change while internal disequilibrium affects the amount of change.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Assessment of the learner's current modal developmental level prior to instruction
• A scoring procedure sensitive to both modal level and dispersion of responses across levels

Constraints¶

• Tested only with fifth graders at Modal Level three on a map drawing task
• The study did not directly attempt to induce regressive change in well-consolidated structures

Target Learners¶

• Elementary school children at an intermediate developmental level in a spatial reasoning sequence

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Advancement through developmental levels of spatial reasoning and map drawing ability

Claims¶

• External disequilibrium level systematically influences subsequent changes in internal disequilibrium: discrepant conditions increase mixture among low mix subjects and decrease it among high mix subjects [+W]
• Higher internal disequilibrium is associated with more regressive (minus) changes as well as more progressive changes [+W]
• One-level and two-level external disequilibrium conditions did not differ significantly, and all Modal Level advances occurred to exactly one level above the subject's mode [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Four interrelated factors drive progression between developmental stages: maturation, experience, social interaction, and equilibration

Examples¶

• Cognitive Conflict

Key Sources¶

• Snyder, S. S. & Feldman, D. H. (1975). An Experimental Test of the Effects of Internal and External Disequilibrium on Spatial Reasoning Development. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED118211