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Causal Pattern Diagrams in Science Texts Support Explanation Hari Subramonyam, Eytan Adar, Priti Shah, Colleen M Seifert
Understanding causal models in science texts requires learners to construct a mental model of complex causal relationships despite unfamiliar vocabulary and limited knowledge. Prior studies show presenting diagrams helps learners improve, but little is known about how learning improves with causal diagrams. In an online study, we tested adults’ explanations of five science phenomena after reading text with or without a schematic causal diagram. The quantitative and qualitative results show causal pattern diagrams promote holistic quality in learners' explanations. Providing visualizations of complex causal relationships within science texts can scaffold learning by highlighting the need to understand causal patterns in science.
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