This paper outlines a theoretical perspective for studying student understandings of the concept of addition. The notion of operational sense is defined as a way to describe the notion of addition as a mathematical object, paving the way for an application of the theory of reification at this level. Previous frameworks relative to problem solving…

Recent research on solving addition and subtraction word problems has resulted in the construction of theoretical models of children's problem-solving processes. Some of these models have been translated into computer programs. Characteristics and predictions of the theoretical analysis developed by Riley, Greeno, and Heller (1983) are discussed…