Selection strategies for "Mastermind" problems

The popular problem-solving game of Mastermind may be considered a complex concept-learning problem with a selection paradigm and an unusual set of feedback rules. Analysis of the game tree for a simplified version of Mastermind suggested 2 selection strategies--focusing and tactical--analogous to those identified in previous research (e.g., J. S. Bruner et al, 1956; and E. S. Johnson, on other concept-learning problems. It was predicted that performance would be better for Ss who used these 2 strategies than for those who did not. This prediction was supported in 2 experiments with 256 college students, both for Ss who freely chose the 2 strategies and for those who were induced to use them. It is proposed that Mastermind is an interesting and useful addition to standard tasks for concept-learning research. (10 ref)