INDEED, SOMETIMES KNOWLEDGE DOES NOT HELP - A REPLICATION STUDY

In an earlier study we found that intermediate experts in the domain o f economics did not surpass novices in complex learning and knowledge application with a computer-based business simulation. In the present study, it was investigated whether these contra-intuitive findings can be replicated. In order to scrutinize the reasons which led to these findings, some parameters of the learning environment were changed. Th e duration of the exploration phase and of the problem-solving phase a s wc:ll as the complexity of the situations were increased, motivation and acquired declarative knowledge were assessed. In view of masterin g recurring demands and the functionality of mental models, no differe nces were found between a group of novices (15 students of humanities with a supplementary training in economics) and a group of intermediat e experts (13 advanced students of economics). The findings of the ori ginal study were replicated, motivation had no effect on the result. I n terms of declarative knowledge, the novices turned out to be even be tter.