Cognitive development by Zone of Proximal Development (zpd) Gettier problem & corpus linguistics in epistemology

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this research is to promote the use of the three concepts—the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), the Gettier Problem, and Corpus Linguistics (Conte-xtual Learning) to increase the academic performance of early undergraduate engineering students. Methods. 30 engineering students completed one untimed Mensa IQ Test of 10 questions and one Simon-Binet IQ Test of 50 random IQ questions with a 12-minute time limit. Before the second Simon-Binet Test, one group, G(a), was given ZPD scaffolding in three major topics – Working Memory, Fluid Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning – as they had incorrectly answered questions based on these concepts in their first Mensa IQ test. The second group, G(b), was not given the ZPD scaffolding. A statistical t-test that was later performed indicated that G(a) outperformed G(b) in the second IQ test. Results and conclusion. The t-test provides evidence that the hypothesis of this rese-arch, i.e. that ZPD, Gettier Problem and Corpus Linguistics can enhance the performance of the students in a short time period, is correct. After the first Mensa IQ test, the level of both the groups of engineering students, G(a) and G(b), was almost same, which was indicated by the very similar mean results. However, after supporting G(a) with ZPDin their three problem areas – Working Memory, Fluid Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning – after their first IQ test, the performance of this group improved more in comparison to G(b). Research restrictions. It was not possible to provide all the random questions of the second online test (Simon-Binet) to all 30 students because the total number of questions would be 1500. Further, the third and fourth-year engineering students are not included in this research in inhibition that the effect of the investigated tools would not be clearly visible. Cognitive value. The paper presents empirical research on engineering students, demonstrating the practical utility of ZPD, Gettier Problem and Corpus Linguistics in the process of learning, potentially irrespective of any discipline.