WWC review of this study

Cognitive Tutor Algebra I: Evaluation of results (1993–1994).

Wolfson, M., Koedinger, K., Ritter, S., & McGuire, C. (2008). Pittsburgh, PA: Carnegie Learning, Inc.

  • Quasi-Experimental Design
     examining 
    247
     Students
    , grades
    9-12

Reviewed: June 2016

At least one finding shows promising evidence of effectiveness
At least one statistically significant positive finding
Meets WWC standards with reservations
Algebra outcomes—Statistically significant positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

Multiple Representations Test

Cognitive Tutor Algebra I vs. Business as usual

9 Months

Grades 9-12;
117 students

3.54

2.34

Yes

 
 
26
 

Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)

Cognitive Tutor Algebra I vs. Business as usual

9 Months

Grades 9–12;
247 students

0.50

0.45

No

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Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Characteristics of study sample as reported by study author.


  • Female: 56%

  • Urban
    • B
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    Pennsylvania
  • Race
    Black
    34%

Setting

The study took place in three high schools (Langley, Brashear, and Carrick) in the Pittsburgh Public Schools District. In the study schools, 50% of the student body were African American, 50% came from one-parent families, and 15% went on to attend college.

Study sample

Among the full study sample, 34% were African American, 56% were female, and 60% were eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Sixty-five percent of the sample were in the ninth grade, 24% were in the tenth grade, 8% were in the eleventh grade, and 2% were in the twelfth grade.

Intervention Group

Students in the intervention group were taught in the 1993–94 school year using an early version of the Cognitive Tutor® software, then referred to as the Pittsburgh Urban Mathematics Project curriculum plus Practical Algebra Tutor program (PUMP + PAT). The curriculum emphasized the use of functional models, such as tables, graphs, and symbols, to solve real-world problems. Students in the intervention group used the tutoring software in about 25 of the 180 class periods; therefore, this early version varies from the current version of Cognitive Tutor®, which uses software for about 40% of instructional time.

Comparison Group

Students in the comparison group were taught using their schools’ traditional Algebra I curricula, which were not specified in the study.

Support for implementation

No information was provided about the training or support offered to implement the intervention.

In the case of multiple manuscripts that report on one study, the WWC selects one manuscript as the primary citation and lists other manuscripts that describe the study as additional sources.

  • Koedinger, K. R., Anderson, J. R., Hadley, W. H., & Mark, M. A. (1997). Intelligent tutoring goes to school in the big city. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 8(1), 30–43.

  • Carnegie Learning, Inc. (2001). Report of results from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Cognitive Tutor research report PA-91-01). Pittsburgh, PA: Author.

Reviewed: April 2007



Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Study sample characteristics were not reported.
 

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