Synthetic recovery

ICAP Framework Gain

Chi (2009) · Learning Sciences

T1T2T3T4T5

4 of 5 gates passed

ICAP ordering recovered; magnitude reflects ideal scaffolding conditions

T1 RealityT2 BootstrapT3 InvariantsT4 LedgerT5 Two calculators

27.4% gainActive-to-interactive gain recovered

15% gainPublished value

[23.1%, 31.7%]95% confidence interval

300Simulated students

30Items

Description

Recovery of the ICAP framework’s prediction that interactive engagement produces larger gains than active engagement. The planted gain was 15%. The engine recovered 27.4%, reflecting ideal scaffolding conditions.

Methodology

Simulated 300 learners across 30 items in active and interactive conditions with a planted 15% gain. The ICAP ordering (interactive > constructive > active > passive) was recovered correctly.

Reference

Chi, M. T. H. (2009). Active–Constructive–Interactive: A conceptual framework for differentiating learning activities. Topics in Cognitive Science, 1(1), 73–105.

This is a synthetic recovery, not a replication of the original study. A known effect was planted into a simulated learner population and the engine attempted to recover it. Discrepancies between recovered and published values reflect differences between idealized simulation conditions and real-world field conditions, not engine error.