The classification of pupils in elementary algebra

A group of 70 American high school pupils were given 66 exercises in Wentworth's New School Algebra to determine individual differences in the ability to acquire knowledge. Results indicated that speed and accuracy were related and were desirable for knowledge acquisition. The most rapid performers were the most accurate and had a longer length of effort than the slower and less accurate performers. The latter became fixed in the poorer group and did not greatly benefit from being placed in classes with brighter pupils although brighter pupils were retarded due to their presence. The best retainers were those who worked with a maximum of effort at a maximum rate and who were the most rapid workers. However, they were not necessarily the most thorough pupils.