Online instructional design

College Student Preferences for Absolute Knowledge and Perspective In Instruction: Implications for Traditional and Online Learning Environments

Ravert, R. D. & Evans, M. A. (2007). The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 8(4), 321-328.

The current study sought to examine the relationship between grade level and two aspects of epistemic beliefs expected to be developmental in nature, absolute knowledge and absolute perspective.

Our preliminary findings suggest that lower-level undergraduates (freshman and sophomore students)prefer and expect a more direct instructional style than upper-level students.
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Full-text paper is on hand. But can't find it on Google scholar.