Multiple Cue Probability Learning: Effects of Individual Differences on MCPL Performance

This exploratory study investigated individual difference effects on multiple cue probability learning performance. Measures of cognitive complexity, creativity, problem solving ability, and anxiety were correlated with the NCPL indices of performance. Eighty participants (40 men and 40 women) were randomly selected graduate students from the six colleges of Old Dominion University. Results showed significant Pearson Product Moment correlations among the Level 2 NCPL achievement and matching indices and the predictors Career Path Appreciation phrase card average, Kirton Adaptation Innovation Inventory, Quantitative GRE scores, gender, and anxiety. There is some evidence that MCPL performance can be explained in terms of these variables, but that evidence is not definitive because of study limitations. This evidence suggests the beginning stages of a theory of MCPL performance. Suggestions for future research include counterbalancing the order of MCPL Levels 2 and 3 in order to counteract fatigue effects, improving Mastermind scoring procedures, and continuing to investigate effects of GRE scores.