The relation of knowledge for solving problems to understanding of general principles in a subject-matter domain is discussed. Theoretical representations, called "conceptual competence," are presented to represent principles that are believed to be understood implicitly by individuals. Implications for problem-solving procedures can be…

Two studies examined certain discrepancies which have been considered important evidence in support of interpersonal comparison (value-adherence) explanations of group induced shifts in choice. (Editor)

Examines the processes involved in problem solving and provides twelve problems that may be used to illustrate these processes. (JR)

Written responses to comprehension exercises related to basal reading materials were collected from 23 first graders and rated on a scale extending from no comprehension to application or extension of information beyond the story. Results indicated that most first graders in the group were able to answer detail questions but were unable to…

This report describes the cognitive procedures which a group of Australian stipendiary utilize in court to make decisions. The study was based on an assumption that magistrates represent a group of professionals whose work involves making decisions of human significance, and on an assumption that the magistrates' own perceptions of their ways of…

The "impulsive responder" is a learner who avoids or eliminates confusing situations. Rather than acknowledging that a given problem solving task is too difficult, the impulsive responder simply perceives a different task--one that he or she has learned to solve. For the teacher there may be many different problems, but for the impulsive…

Many students are not skilled "thinkers" or "problem solvers." Extensive research has been conducted to describe the mental processes involved in problem solving in the hope of establishing a theoretical basis for training students to become more adept at reasoning. Certain problems become evident, however, when reviewing literature for designing…

One difficulty that mathematically naive subjects encounter in solving arithmetic word problems involves the limitation on short term memory (STM) capacity. It is hypothesized that naive subjects, not having access to formal problem solving strategies, may find visualization useful in reducing strain on STM. Two experiments are reported. The…

This study had two major purposes: to examine the effects of dimensional salience upon the learning of conjunction and disjunction rules, and to investigate an alternative to the prevailing cognitive-change accounts of developmental differences in multidimensional problem solving. The relative salience of each of four stimulus dimensions (form,…

The role of visual-spatial operations in nonroutine mathematical problem solving in schoolchildren is investigated through a search of related literature. It is suggested that certain visual-spatial operations are concomitant with the mental processes necessary in problem solving. The following topics are discussed: (1) the importance of problem…

This study was designed to investigate whether problem solving inefficiency in preschool children is the result of subprocess deficiencies in the children's use of logical rules and to assess the influence of 2 mnemonic components (encoding and rehearsal) on problem solving ability. The study subjects, 108 preschool children, were presented with…

This paper outlines a model of learning and problem solving based on ideas derived from information processing models of memory and Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning. The model explicitly deals with the cognitive processes that are required for learning, and defines the conditions necessary for learning as the existence of relevant…

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH MAY MORE CLEARLY REVEAL THE NATURE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AFFECTIVE VARIABLES AND INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE. ONE AFFECTIVE COMPONENT SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR MEASUREMENT. RATHER, A PATTERN OF DISPOSITIONS SHOULD BE DETERMINED AS A UNIT OF PREDICTION OF EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE. VARIOUS COPING STYLES SHOULD BE…

KINDS OF ERRORS, AND THEIR VALUE TO HELP TEACHERS KNOW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT HOW THEIR STUDENTS' MINDS WORK, ARE DISCUSSED. THE TERM "ERROR" IS USED TO REFER TO MISTAKES IN THE PROCESS OF REASONING RATHER THAN TO INCORRECT OUTCOMES OF REASONING. THE AUTHORS STATE, "CORRECT OUTCOMES MAY OR MAY NOT FOLLOW UPON ERRORS (OR MISTAKEN…