Two transitional phases in the child's early language development are described; the first occurs between prelinguistic vocalization and one-word speech and the second between one-word and patterned speech. Cognitive, linguistic and affective inputs to the acquisition of reference and syntax are discussed in the light of the transitional…

This paper examines the cognitive process of concept development in preschool children, based on recent psychological research. Rather than attempting an exhaustive review of the more than 7000 articles written on children's concepts of categories, the paper highlights and illustrates four key themes that emerge from recent research: first,…

This study explores the nature of professional expertise in economics. Two experiments were conducted to examine the existence of problem categories in economics as a basis for problem representation. Findings are that experts use categories that reflect major economics principles, and novices sort by literal cues contained in the problems. In the…

This report describes an investigation of how young children respond to two types of tasks: (1) finding one-half of a continuous and a discrete material; and (2) attempting to share continuous and discrete material equally between two dolls. Continuous material, such as string, paper, or liquid, is quantified by adults using measurement units. A…

Reflective and impulsive children were instructed to hasten or delay their responses on a test of hypothesis-seeking and constraint seeking conceptual strategies. Latency of response data on pretesting, training, and immediate posttests showed that the attempts to hasten or delay responses were successful in changing response latencies. (ST)

The development of children's conceptualization of various roles appears to parallel general conceptual development. That is, there appears to be a developmental progression from role concepts based on concrete-specific acts and details to those based on general abstract functions. (Author)

Examines the relationships between mental maturity and achievement in three types of science concepts-classificational, correlational, and theoretical. (AL)

Attempts to determine the age at which the concept of middleness," or intermediately positioned object, emerges and is functional. (MB)

Reports two studies. The first study compared adults and children (aged four, six, and eight) on ability to sort paintings according to artist, a conceptual task that can reveal cognitive organization. The second study compared three groups of eight- to nine-year-olds using slightly different procedures. The results showed strong developmental…

The educational adage "Teach each child from where he is calls for a greater understanding than now exists of the nonstandard English speaking child's language and cognitive style. Appears in "The Florida FL Reporter special anthology issue "Linguistic-Cultural Differences and American Education. (AMM)

Reports research which reveals the difficulty children have in understanding (1) the real purpose of written language and (2) the abstract, technical vocabulary of language study and reading. (SW)

Describes a study, involving 120 first grade children, which supports the hypothesis that the rate of attainment of conservation skills is significantly enhanced by experiences made possible by the first grade program of SCIS. Describes the six conservation tasks used for pre-tests and post-tests: number, liquid amount, solid amount, length,…

Studied discriminative and investigatory response behavior and effects of response training on children 4-5 to 6-5 years of age. (DR)