Applying Gentner's theory of analogy to the teaching of computer programming

Abstract

This research empirically tests the postulations of Gentner concerning the properties of explanatory analogy. It does so in the context of teaching programming. The factor analogy was operationalized by varying the clarity and systematicity/abstractness of the analogies used. The dependent variables were score obtained on program comprehension and program composition tasks and the time taken to perform the tasks. Research subjects were 15- to 17-year-olds without prior exposure to computer programming. Differences in age were controlled. The results provide empirical support for Gentner's postulations on the relative goodness of competing analogies. In particular, good explanatory analogies are characterized by clarity and high systematicity/abstractness. © 1993 Academic Press. All rights reserved.