Identifying solution strategies in a cube comparison task using a knowledge structure approach

This paper investigates the relative importance of factors that influence accuracy in a cube comparison task. Data from a previous study were reanalyzed by applying knowledge structure theory. Using this approach alternative knowledge structures were built in which detailed relations between problem components were tested. The results indicate that the task is easier when: 1) fewer rotations of 90° are required; 2) fewer orthogonal axes are employed; 3) the second orthogonal rotation is on the Y axis; and 4) fewer colored faces are implied in the comparison. The type of the axis employed on the second orthogonal rotation is more important than the number of axes employed, while the number of non-white faces has minimal influence on item difficulty.