A software for assessment of new experience formation and problem solving under achievement or avoidance conditions

Abstract

Multiple interdisciplinary studies in cognitive science are based on setups that endorse subjects’ disquisitive activity. We have earlier contrasted approach and avoidance situations in terms of prior experience implementation during formation of new experience, including the learning transfer indices. This was based on current data and accounts of domain organization of memory. To further assess the prior experience employment on consequitive stages of learning we have developed A-Ware — a multifunctional research instrument that allows for assessment of human behavior during problem task handling. The program includes two games that require understanding of task rules. The results presented here show the assessment of learning transfer effect and comparison of performance indices between two feedback modes: either achievement of gain, or avoidance of loss of points. The program allows choosing the task options, creating scenarios and configurations of experiment, and synchronizing events with external recording devices. A-Ware is applicable for explicit learning, attention, spatial memory, categorization, decision making etc. studies within cognitive science and psychophysiology, as well as for diagnostic purposes in clinical, educational and HR practice. The program is available for free upon e-mail request to the first author.