[JonahBraun]

> The example of "mental model of assignment" is ridiculous. a=b can mean whatever. It means something totally different to a mathematician than a programmer. Say:

That's why the first group (the predicted to be successful group) is defined as forming a consistent mental model and not necessarily the correct one:

> 44% of students formed a consistent mental model of how assignment works (even if incorrect!)

[jules]

How about students who reason like this:

I don't know what the notation means and there is no way for me to know what it means. Therefore I'm going to use a different interpretation in each question to minimize the variance in my grade.

[hackinthebochs]

That gave me a good laugh. The funny thing is I've actually used this strategy on a few occasions. It's a completely legit critique.