A test of the circumvention-of-limits hypothesis in scientific problem solving: The case of geological bedrock mapping.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0025927
• Publication Date: 2011-10-17T16:31:37Z
• Authors: David Z. Hambrick; Julie C. Libarkin; Heather L. Petcovic; Kathleen M. Baker; Joe Elkins; Caitlin N. Callahan; Sheldon P. Turner; Tara A. Rench; Nicole D. LaDue
• Keywords: Bedrock; Geologic map

Sources of individual differences in scientific problem solving were investigated. Participants representing a wide range experience geology completed tests visuospatial ability and geological knowledge, performed bedrock mapping task, which they attempted to infer the structure an area Tobacco Root Mountains Montana. A Visuospatial Ability × Geological Knowledge interaction was found, such that positively predicted performance at low, but not high, levels knowledge. This finding suggests high domain knowledge may sometimes enable circumvention limitations associated with cognitive abilities.