Internalization of filmic schematic operations in interaction with learners' aptitudes

Conducted 3 experiments to test the hypotheses that children can imitate and internalize filmic codes to be used subsequently as covert schematized mediators, and that learners with low, relevant aptitude scores profit more from films which model for them schematic operations to be internalized than do high-aptitude learners. 2 kinds of operations were either modeled, short-circuited, or not shown at all, thus requiring Ss to activate them on their own. These operations were "zooming in" on details (Exps I and II) and laying out of solid objects (Exp III). Ss were 80 8th graders in Exp I, 56 8th graders in Exp II, and 42 9th graders in Exp III. Results of 2 experiments support the 1st hypothesis, thus showing that internalization of schematic filmic codes is possible and leads to improved performance on related transfer tasks and ability tests. Aptitude * Treatment interactions emerged in all 3 experiments, as expected by the 2nd hypothesis. Verbal ability was not a necessary mediator in this kind of learning. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).