Abstract
The similarity of mineral classification keys to decision trees prompted us to develop an expert system (MINID) for the purpose of teaching novices mineral identification skills. Physical geology students preferred MINID with pictures over two other mineral identification aids (classification key and MINID without pictures). This is probably because the images enhanced their ability to recognize minerals. Students also reported that both versions of the MINID program forced them to more closely and systematically observe mineral properties. The short-comings in MINID (both with and without pictures) compared to the classification key include the longer time required to identify an unknown mineral and a slightly lower success ratio. -from Authors
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 121-127 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Geological Education |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Environmental Science
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences