The importance of analytical procedures in auditing and the popularity of ratio
analysis as an analytical procedure are well-documented (e.g., Biggs and Wild
1984; Libby 1985). The current study focuses on the knowledge necessary to
perform ratio analysis in audit planning. Specifically, we examine the effectiveness
of various combinations of instruction and experience (practice and feedback) in
producing this knowledge. The results indicate that combinations of instruction and
no experience or of instruction and practice without feedback do not produce
knowledge. Practice with explanatory feedback and any form of instruction create