Degree Name
EdD (Doctor of Education)
Program
Educational Leadership
Date of Award
12-2014
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Bill Flora
Committee Members
Dr. Bethany Flora, Dr. Pamela Scott, Dr. Rick Osborne
Abstract
A qualitative investigation was conducted to explore the phenomenon of abstract cognition among a purposive sample of 5 secondary scholastic chess club participants. The case study enabled the researcher to explore the faculties of abstract cognition among students of contrasting skills and abilities in playing chess. The study also allowed for the consideration of potential visual-spatial, logical, academic, social competency and life benefits of chess play. Through analysis of interviews, chess simulations, blindfold chess play, and narration of chess lines and sequences, the investigator was able to extract meaning and code schemata into a holistic understanding of the phenomenon of abstract cognition within the context of Piaget’s Formal Operations Stage.
Scholastic chess systematically engages the student in a stimuli-enriched environment in which the participant must exercise optimal cognitive control in processing and anticipating chess lines and sequences, thus facilitating the manifestation and phenomenon of abstract cognition. Abstract cognition as a phenomenon may elicit increased academic, scholarly, and life potential. Participation in scholastic chess may produce both scholarly and critical thinking individuals. Suggestions for future research include continuing qualitative research in the area of abstract cognition among chess players and developing a stronger understanding of cognitive growth in students.
Document Type
Dissertation - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Laws, Brent C., "The Phenomenon of Abstract Cognition Among Scholastic Chess Participants: A Case Study" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2458. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2458
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons