I agree that there probably is a sharp distinction between people who can keep very rigid rules in their head, and project forwards to anticipate what will happen, and lastly also reason backwards from a desired state to figure out the necessary instructions.
The question is whether this can be taught. When I read the study I see another possible conclusion; that we haven't sufficiently prepared everyone for the basic reality of computing -- that this is about arbitrary machine rules, and how to think about them.
Some of us may come into the world having that 'mechanistic' worldview, or perhaps some early experiences teach it to some earlier than others.
But we're evolved to deal with organic environments. Where precise definition and full knowledge aren't possible, so instead we have fuzzier categories and flexible responses. Where everything intelligent in the environment can be negotiated with, using empathy. In programming 101 you have to abandon that mindset.
The question is whether this can be taught. When I read the study I see another possible conclusion; that we haven't sufficiently prepared everyone for the basic reality of computing -- that this is about arbitrary machine rules, and how to think about them.
Some of us may come into the world having that 'mechanistic' worldview, or perhaps some early experiences teach it to some earlier than others.
But we're evolved to deal with organic environments. Where precise definition and full knowledge aren't possible, so instead we have fuzzier categories and flexible responses. Where everything intelligent in the environment can be negotiated with, using empathy. In programming 101 you have to abandon that mindset.