Preparations for Modelling the Relationship between Competence and Qualifications. No. 77.

This report presents basic theoretical and methodological assumptions for investigating the relationship between competence and qualifications by means of simulation tasks. An analysis of the types of tasks that have been used in the study of problem solving psychology serves as a background for an exposition of the relationship between competence and qualifications. The vehicle for investigating competence and qualifications is the INTOPIA computer program, which simulates a virtual international reality of global enterprises from construction of plants to the sale and financing of products. Findings are reported from a pilot experiment involving two teams of two adults each, the aim of which was to examine the feasibility of using the program in research. Findings indicate that the number of sessions needs to be reduced from the amount used in the teaching situation for which it was developed originally. The issues for investigation in a forthcoming experiment and the tool to be used for modeling the behavior of subjects are outlined. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.