The effect of computer-based educational simulation on problem-solving skills and cognitive ability of students

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of computer-based educational simulation on problem-solving skills and cognitive ability of students. The research method was quasi-experimental and with a pre-test-posttest design including a control group. The statistical population of this study was all the fourth grade elementary students in Tehran's 2nd district in the academic year of 2016-2017. Sixty  of them (30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) were selected as the sample by the available sampling method. The experimental group was trained using the PhET simulation, and the control group was trained with the traditional method in six sessions, each lasting an hour. The pre-test-posttests of the two groups were performed using a questionnaire. The research tools were the Heppner&Peterson’s (1982) and  Nejati’s (2013) cognitive ability questionnaires. Analysis of the research data was performed with the Multivariate Covariance Analysis. The research findings showed that after controlling the effects of the pre-test, there was a significant difference between the post-test scores of the two groups in the problem solving variable and its components (self-confidence in problem solving, proximity-avoidance style, and personal control, and the cognitive ability variable and its components (memory, inhibitory control and selective attention, decision making, sustain attention, social cognition and cognitive flexibility). However, there was no significant difference in the planning component between the two groups. The results of the research showed that the computer-based educational simulation had an effect on the problem-solving skills and cognitive ability of students and increased the problem-solving skills and cognitive ability of students.