Hypothesizes that horizontal decalage, or the mastery of one task but not another formally similar to it, is an expected outgrowth of Piagetian theory. (MB)

Compared laboratory and naturalistic content influences on formal reasoning tasks of 90 13-, 15-, and 17-year-olds, focusing on tasks requiring ability to control variables. Results indicate that 8 to 20 percent of performance variance was associated with task content. Content effects were also shown to reflect expectations about task variables.…

This study was conducted to determine the cognitive demand made by an eighth-grade science textbook. Reasoning patterns and science concepts were listed and compared. Concrete reasoning was required more often than formal reasoning, but some points of difficulty for students who are not formal reasoners were noted. (MNS)

Investigated development of propositional logic and three formal logical schemata (underlying generic problem solving processes/operations) in adults (N=59) enrolled in their second year of medical school. Two students were formal on the 12-Piagetian tasks used, and the 57 remaining were classified as transitional formal. Implications are…

Contains 15 articles investigating and discussing issues generated by Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Discusses and examines questions related to object permanence, transitivity, conservation and the concept of necessity as these relate to children. Deals with the origins and causes of development, logical development, social and…

Uses case examples to illustrate how cognitive-behavioral interventions can be applied to social work situations. Suggests by emphasizing the interaction of personal and environmental realities in influencing change, a cognitive-behavioral perspective of human functioning can provide a useful theoretical framework for direct practice in social…

Examines several possible difficulties in interpreting the results of studies which employ Piagetian tasks, especially conservation tasks, with older individuals. Notes that Piaget's clinical method allows more flexibility in the assessment of competence than do more quantifiable techniques. Examines the possibility of task misinterpretation by…

This investigation focused on the stage of formal operational reasoning in the acquisition of astronomy concepts, and on efficacy of different instructional experiences for facilitating cognitive change in college students. Included are selected results and directions for future research. (SK)

Cognitive performance of college students (N=225) on "An Inventory of Piaget: Developmental Tasks" (IPDT) was related to Scholastic Aptitude Tests and performance in both college chemistry lectures and laboratory classes. Relationship of Piagetian tasks to learning and instructional activities in introductory chemistry classes is…

Enumerates six arguments against teaching developmental students thinking skills. Counterposes such arguments as "It takes too much time" and "Basic skills should take priority over thinking skills" with 12 attributes which, if developed, enhance students' ability to learn, choose, and act effectively, e.g., seeing relationships and analyzing…

Contends that cognitive skills can and should be taught. Cites supportive studies. Describes two of the four clinical modules forming Rockland Community College's developmental sequence. Examines objectives of the Effective Listening and Logic and Reasoning modules and procedures used in the courses. Looks at student resistance to cognitive skills…

This paper examines the mental processes involved in inferring perspective changes resulting from the rotation of a spatial array or from the rotation of the viewer of that array. Under certain conditions, viewer-rotation problems become easy and array-rotation problems become difficult. Apparently, an array is fixed vis-a-vis the spatial context.…

Faced with a problem in which the probability of obtaining the correct answer was 70 percent, 2 of 23 kindergartners and 18 of 19 second graders generated an appropriate strategy. When the probability of a chance correct response was reduced to .45, 23 of 35 kindergartners generated an appropriate strategy. (Author/GDC)