A theoretical model and methodology is presented that allows the path or trajectory of an individual's emotional experience during problem solving to be depicted and empirically studied. The trajectory of one's emotional experience reveals how well the individual copes with the frustration of problem solving by indicating how quickly recovery…

Current thinking suggests that solving brainteasing puzzles uses the same critical thinking skills needed to solve difficult math, science, and business problems. This book is a non-intimidating exploration of the wonderful powers of the mind with an emphasis on the joy of thinking and learning. It contains 100 puzzles, presented in order of…

This book addresses different types of thinking, including critical, creative, and analytical, and presents a variety of problem-solving strategies, along with specific ways they can be taught to students. The main emphases of the book are thinking and mathematics, problem solving, and the application of computational skills. The problem-solving…

Calculation of the percentage of work completed when the edges of jigsaw puzzles have been assembled provides interesting problems. (SD)

In a series of exercises students develop designs in which nodes are labelled according to the isolation rules defined. Strategies for creating new designs from known ones, finding the maximum number of isolation designs on a given configuration, and developing larger isolation designs are encouraged. Sample worksheets are included. (SD)

This document consists of three papers. The first, "A Parallel Model of (Sequential) Problem Solving," describes a parallel model designed to solve a class of relatively simple problems from elementary physics and discusses implications for models of problem-solving in general. It is shown that one of the most salient features of problem…

Investigated were the effects of numerical presentation, set language, and distractor position on the arithmetic problem solving abilities of 24 educable mentally handicapped children (mean age 13 years). (Author/DB)

MATHEMATICS PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIMS OF THE CURRICULUM CENTER TO MOTIVATE CULTURALLY DEPRIVED STUDENTS. THE REFERENCES IN THE WORD PROBLEMS CONCERN OBJECTS FAMILAR TO THESE STUDENTS. PROBLEM AREAS INCLUDED ARE--ROMAN NUMBERS, THE MEANING OF NUMBERS, ROUNDING NUMBERS, ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION,…

An overview of the Mathematical Problem Solving Project, MPSP, is given. The goals, organization, and history of the project are described and the progress toward those goals is discussed. The outcomes of the project are stated, a brief diary of activities given, and a listing of technical reports made. (MP)

A technique for investigating and quantifying problem solving mediating processes was developed; the question of whether this technique could be used to detect different approaches to problem solving among groups of subjects when measured over a time interval was studied. Results showed that processing modes differed as to professional interest…

Investigated here are some of the results which can be obtained using the double-sided straight edge. Seventeen possible constructions are presented with solutions or partial solutions given to most. (MP)

Presents mathematical games that involve a problem-solving matrix, multicolored cubes, and three-dimensional dominoes. The work of Alexander MacMahon is highlighted. (MA)

Statistical problems were used to test the hypothesis that calculators facilitate problem solution by saving time and increasing accuracy. Manual, basic machine and advance machine methods were used. (MP)

Investigated were the effects on computation performance of amount of prepractice and type of calculator, when students were told to work very fast vs very accurately. (MP)