Lee
Joseph Cronbach (1916 - 2001) and R. Snow
Aptitude-Treatment Interaction (ATI)
Cronbach was Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford
University.
This theory proposed that learning is optimized when
instructional methods are exactly matched to the aptitudes
and styles of the learner. It is based on the notion of
different intelligences (see also Gardner, Sternberg, and Guilford).
Components of experimental work included task variables,
situation variables, aptitudes of learners, and
instructional treatments. Research indicated that high
ability students do better with low levels of structure in
the learning environment, and that low ability students do
better with highly structured environments. Affect was also
observed to influence learning, and research suggested that
students with anxiety or high need to conform do better in
structured environments, and students who are relaxed and
independent prefer low structure.
Learning Theory
Bibliography
Kearsley, G. (n.d.). Aptitude-Treatment Interaction (L.
Cronbach & R. Snow). Retrieved November 9, 2002 from
http://tip.psychology.org/cronbach.html
