The effects of two approaches to basic programming on the achievement and attitude of field independent and field dependent students

The major purposes of this study were (a) to determine which of two approaches to BASIC computer progrcunming, standard instruction or graphics instruction, would improve programming skills of middle school students who are at the novice programming level, (b) to determine if there is any interaction between the cognitive styles, field dependent and field independent, and programming instruction on achievement in a BASIC programming class, (c) to determine if there is any interaction between gender and programming instruction in a BASIC programming class, and (d) to determine if attitude toward computer use is affected by either of two methods of progrsmiming instruction.