The relationship between knowledge of human development and ability to use such knowledge

Abstract

"It is the purpose of this study to examine the relationship existing between knowledge of facts and principles and ability to apply such facts and principles to one area of human development,—adolescence… four tests were constructed. The first was a criterion test which measured knowledge of fact and principle about adolescent development. Second, three case study tests were constructed which measured ability to apply the facts and principles of adolescent development. Each case study was divided into three parts. After each part the student was given an opportunity to reveal his ability to diagnose difficulties and select appropriate remedial procedures… . The findings of this study may well challenge the assumption in any course in psychology or teacher education that knowledge of fact and principle necessarily leads to effective or intelligent application of fact and principle… . It would appear… that measurement devices traditionally used in teacher education and psychology do not satisfactorily measure ability to apply facts, however well they may measure knowledge of facts themselves." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)