Generalizing from the use of earlier examples in problem solving.

Novices often are reminded of earlier examples during problem solving. Four experiments examine the hypothesis that the use of earlier examples promotes generalizations about problem types, thereby influencing what is learned about the domain. Subjects studied four probability principles with word problems and then tried to solve two tests problems for each principle. For half of the first tests, cues indicated which study problem might be used. All second tests were uncued. Discussion focuses on the distinction about how problem comparisons are used in learning and the implications of the view that remindings lead to generalizations