Metacognitive experience and transfer of logical reasoning

Berry, D. C. (1983) Metacognitive experience and transfer of logical reasoning. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A Human Experimental Psychology, 35 (1). pp. 39-49. ISSN 0272-4987 doi: 10.1080/14640748308402115

Abstract/Summary

The experiments examine the influence of metacognitive experience on the transfer of logical processes in a problem solving setting. Subjects were presented with two versions of Wason's (1966) selection task. Although they were able to perform successfully on the concrete tasks (following a minimal explanation of the correct solution on an initial trial), the majority were not able to transfer a successful method to the abstract tasks. Verbalization during, or following, the concrete tasks produced substantial transfer effects however. It is suggested that verbalization may lead to an increased awareness of past behaviour, particularly of those aspects necessary for successful solution.