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School of Psychology: Research Students

  MR. CHRISTOPHER DWYER

   Office Rm. 228, Cois Abhainn
   Telephone +353-91-495127   
   E-mail Chris Dwyer

Education

BA, (MLitt trans.), NUI Galway, 2006

Current Studies

• PhD in Psychology (2006 - Present): The Evaluation of Argument Mapping: Learning through Memory and Critical Thinking

Research

The current study examines the efficacy of argument mapping as a method of enhancing critical thinking and memory. Argument mapping is a strategy in which the core propositions and relations of an argument are visually represented, thus aiding the understanding and retention of the argument. Argument mapping has a long history, but was tedious work before improvements in computer technology allowed for the construction of maps with ease. However, advances in computer technology have not been paralleled by advances in empirical work on the cognitive benefits of reading and constructing argument maps. The current study seeks to compare the argument map design, as a learning format, with the traditional text-based format used in most common learning environments, in terms of their relative effectiveness with respect to learning, e.g. retention and critical thinking. Within the study, verbal and spatial reasoning and memory are considered and tested, as is motivation and reasoning ability. This work is supervised by Dr. Michael Hogan with committee members Dr. Ian Stewart and Dr. Caroline Heary. This project is funded by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Conference Presentations

• Dwyer, C.P., Hogan, M.J. & I. Stewart (2010). Using Argument mapping to Promote Critical Thinking Skills. 21st National Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science, 30th August – 1st September 2010, 261. Galway, Ireland: National University of Ireland, Galway.
• Dwyer, C.P. (2009). Critical Thinking: What Is It? NUI Galway School of Psychology Research Seminar Series, 3rd April 2009. Galway, Ireland: National University of Ireland, Galway.
• Dwyer, C.P. (2008). The evaluation of argument mapping as a learning tool: The effects on recall memory and comprehension. NUI Galway Psychology Department Research Seminar Series, 25th April 2008. Galway, Ireland: National University of Ireland, Galway.
• Dwyer, C.P. (2008). Argument mapping increases recall performance: The evaluation of argument mapping as a learning tool. 30th Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference, 5th April 2008. Limerick, Ireland: Mary Immaculate College. (Awarded and recommended)
• Dwyer, C.P., Hogan, M.J. & I. Stewart (2007). Argument mapping with Rationale™: The evaluation of argument mapping as a learning tool. 5th Annual Conference on Teaching & Learning (CELT), 7th & 8th June 2007 (p. 49). Galway, Ireland: National University of Ireland, Galway.
• Dwyer, C.P. (2007). The evaluation of argument mapping as a learning tool. 29th Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference , 30th March 2007. Dublin, Ireland: University College of Dublin.

Publications

• Dwyer, C.P., Hogan, M.J. & I. Stewart, (2010). The evaluation of argument mapping as a learning tool: Comparing the effects of map reading versus text reading on comprehension and recall of arguments. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 5, 1, 16-22.
• Dwyer, C.P., Hogan, M.J. & I. Stewart, (submitted). Effects of argument mapping on students’ memory and comprehension in educational settings. Journal of Educational Psychology (3rd September, 2010).

Teaching

Lectured:

• Thinking, Modeling & Writing: Critical Thinking (2010)
• The Arts Faculty voluntary course: Critical Thinking NUIG (2010).
• The School of Psychology voluntary course: The Critical Thinking Seminar Series (2009).
• Structure & Argument Mapping, in Thinking, Modeling & Writing (2007)

Teaching Assistant to Dr. M.J. Hogan in Lecture Course: Thinking, Modeling & Writing: Critical Thinking (2007)

Work Experience

Research Assistant to Dr. Conor Hanly for the study Attrition in Cases of Rape, funded by the Rape Crisis Centre, Ireland. (January 2008 - April 2008).

Links

• Argument mapping ( a, b)
  • Mapping consciousness
  • Can computers think?
• Cognitive Load Theory

    

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