Three experiments were performed in an attempt to integrate ideas and methods developed to study problem solving with those developed specifically to study children's inquiry strategies. (Author/JMB)

Identified some experiences that lead to preschool children's transition from less to more systematic problem-solving strategies. Receiving encouragement to adopt more analytic attitudes and encountering problems with perceptually salient differences on a relevant dimension were the two types of experiences examined. (Author/DB)

This study tested three hypothesized mechanisms through which explanations might facilitate problem-solving strategy generalization in kindergarteners through second graders. Results suggested that explanations facilitated generalization through the creation of novel goal structures that enabled children to persist in use of the new strategy…