The general purposes of this study were to analyze responses on five Piagetian formal operational tasks in a test-retest situation to determine the extent to which taking a pretest effected scores on posttests and to determine task and examiner reliabilities. Significant test score gains on Piagetian tasks appeared to result from test-retest…

In order to enhance the understanding of visual literacy, one of its constituents, visual learning (VL), is examined in terms of underlying assumptions, hypothesized behaviors, and implications of both assumptions and behaviors. Assumptions are: (1) VL encompasses all changes in behavior arising from the individual's responses to visual…

This study examined the relationship between seventh graders' self-concept and level of cognitive development. It was hypothesized that level of cognitive development would predict self-concept response style (the tendency to select either extreme or less extreme descriptors on a likert-type scale), and that less cognitively mature young…

The "practical" approach currently emphasized in teacher education is critically appraised and contrasted with a more "intellectual" approach. It is suggested that more emphasis on intellectual activities is needed in teacher education and a number of arguments are presented to support a change in that direction. It is suggested that the quality…

The authors employed the Raven Test of Logical Operations (RTLO) to assess development of cognitive structure for subjects of ages 8 to 19. Their conclusions support in part the development sequence described by Piaget. Lack of hierarchical order in some cognitive operations may indicate limitation of the instrument. (Author/EB)

Described in this paper is a research approach used in science and mathematics education at the University of Goteborg (Sweden). The theoretical base of this approach relies on strong interaction between theoretical studies and empirical studies in the science classroom, with close cooperation between researcher and teacher. Within this paper,…

The process model of reading suggests that even the effective reader makes recurring regressions to lower levels of functioning when faced with unfamiliar topics or texts. The gradual formulation of new linguistic and cognitive structures necessitated by the task of reading is similar to the acquisition of language, and the process model suggests…

An information-processing task analysis of what kindergarten children might do if they are successful in representing and solving certain types of simple arithmetic story problems served to identify five key components. Data obtained from the interview testing of 66 kindergarten children served to suggest a major difference between successful and…

Piagetian-type, indepth interviews were used to explore children's thinking at various ages about the process of reading, thereby gaining insights related to cognitive development across the developmental age span. Interview questions and follow-up probes were designed to elicit responses in three categories: definitions and purposes of reading,…

Two phenomena related to the quality of student responses in regard to items used in a testing situation are involved in the construction of a pupil response model. The underlying phenomenon which defines the individual's cognitive limits is termed the hypothetical cognitive structure (HCS). The second phenomenon, which is a function of not only…

Literature on cognition and learning in young adults is surveyed. First, an outline of a theory of the cognition-learning system is presented, reviewing the characteristics of each of the major components of the system. Particular attention is paid to the differences between young adults and other age groups in information processing skills.…

This paper reviews research and opinions concerned with the lateralization of brain functions and cognitive development as described by Piaget. Optimal cognitive functioning in humans is a product of the complete development of interhemispheric communication in the brain. Growth spurts in brain development have been found to correlate closely with…

This paper reports two experimental studies of the development of time, speed and distance concepts in children. In Experiment I subjects (12 in each of four age groups: 5-, 8-, 11-year-olds, and adults) were asked to judge which of two electric trains on parallel tracks went faster, for the longer distance, or for more time. Subject's knowledge…

Focusing on the process by which intentions get expressed in written form, this article presents a theory of communicative competence based on the development of the "part-whole" thinking process. Specific topics discussed in the article are: speech act theory; speech act theory and theories stressing the importance of subject cognition; genetic…

This collection of conference abstracts focuses on new directions for research on mental representation and early language development. One page summaries are provided on the following topics: Mental Representation and Initial Language Learning, by Lorraine M. Nicolich; Critical Issues in Language and Cognitive Development, by Roberta Corrigan;…