Abstract
In the present study, we investigated neural processes underlying programming experience. Individuals with high programming experience might develop a form of computational thinking, which they can apply on complex problem-solving tasks such as reasoning tests. Therefore, N = 20 healthy young participants with previous programming experience and N = 21 participants without any programming experience performed three reasoning tests: Figural Inductive Reasoning (FIR), Numerical Inductive Reasoning (NIR), Verbal Deductive Reasoning (VDR). Using multi-channel EEG measurements, task-related changes in alpha and theta power as well as brain connectivity were investigated. Group differences were only observed in the FIR task. Programmers showed an improved performance in the FIR task as compared to non-programmers. Additionally, programmers exhibited a more efficient neural processing when solving FIR tasks, as indicated by lower brain activation and brain connectivity especially in easy tasks. Hence, behavioral and neural measures differed between groups only in tasks that are similar to mental processes required during programming, such as pattern recognition and algorithmic thinking by applying complex rules (FIR), rather than in tasks that require more the application of mathematical operations (NIR) or verbal tasks (VDR). Our results provide new evidence for neural efficiency in individuals with higher programming experience in problem-solving tasks.
Highlights
Problem-solving, algorithmic and logical thinking as well as efficient and innovative thinking
We expect that programmers, who might have developed a form of computational thinking (CT), which is required to program successfully[1,3,10,11,14], show a better performance in the reasoning tasks than non-programmers
We investigated neural processes underlying reasoning in programmers, who might have developed a form of CT, which is required to program s uccessfully[1,3,10,11,14], and individuals with no previous programming experience
Summary
Problem-solving, algorithmic and logical thinking as well as efficient and innovative thinking. Besides differences in performance between programmers and non-programmers in complex problem-solving tasks, such as represented in reasoning tests, we are further interested in differences in neural processes underlying programming experience when performing such tasks. No group differences in cognitive load were observed according to the EEG results, the authors reported that the group with additional CT teaching tended to approach the problems more efficiently, as indicated for instance by improved strategic thinking, simultaneous thinking, and the use of recursive solution strategies during the problem-solving processes[24]. We compare individuals with and without previous programming experience while solving figural, numerical, and verbal reasoning tasks with different levels of complexity (three levels of difficulty) in (1) behavioral performance and (2) neural processing. Since we assume that non-programmers show a stronger involvement of type II processes when solving reasoning tasks, it might be that this group shows a stronger connectivity between frontal brain areas and more parietal brain areas due to a stronger executive control[41,46]
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