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Table 2 Explanatory coherence patterns in novice and expert participants

From: What Do Experts and Novices “See” in Evolutionary Problems?

Cognitive resource

Description

Consistencya of expert use (%)

Expert rank order

Consistencya of novice use (%)

Novice rank order

Key concept 6

Differential survival

70

1

36

1

Key concept 1

Causes of variation

60

2

4

3

Key concept 2

Heritability

60

3

8

2

Key concept 7

Frequency change

50

4

0

n/a

Key concept 3

Competition

20

5

0

n/a

Key concept 5

Resources

10

6

0

n/a

Key concept 4

Hyperfecundity

0

7

0

n/a

Naïve concept 1

Needs drive change

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

Naïve concept 2

Pressure forces change

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

Naïve concept 3

Use and disuse explain change

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

Naïve concept 4

Acclimation = adaptation

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

Naïve concept 5

Inheritance or acquired traits

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

Naïve concept 6

Intentionality explains change

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

  1. aConsistent use (>75%) of concept across item prompts