Handbook of Individual Differences, Learning, and Instruction

Abstract

Differential psychology investigates the role of individual differences such as intelligence, cognitive styles, and personality on human behavior. This book is about the differential psychology of learning and instruction. It describes a range of individual differences and the ways that they impact learning and responding to instruction. In the first part of this book, we provide a model for considering the range of individual differences by describing differences in learning outcomes, differences in instructional methods, and the interactions between them. In Parts II through VI, we review different dimensions of individual differences and how they interact with learning and instruction. [Part VII characterizes] the effects of a learner's previously acquired knowledge on his or her ability to learn. Prior knowledge and ability can be important factors in projecting the effectiveness of specific instructional techniques. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)