Methods for solving logic puzzles which focus on thought-free procedures that facilitate solution are discussed. Two of the procedures noted pertain to the interior of any submatrix, whereas others span several submatrices. A puzzle is presented at the conclusion as an exercise for practicing the methods promoted. (MP)

Four stages of problem solving are believed to occur in programing. Spirolaterals are discussed as specific examples of programing activity that have mathematical and programing interest. The BASIC programing language is used on the Apple II computer to provide examples of possible solutions to the problems posed. (MP)

Adults' geometric analogy solution was investigated as a function of systematic variations in the information structure of items. Latency data from verification of true and false items were recorded. A model incorporating assumptions about the form of item representation, working memory factors, and processing components and strategies was…

Eight boys and eight girls from a rural elementary school participated in the investigation. Specific heuristics were adopted from Polya; and the students selected represented two substages of Piaget's concrete operational stage. Five hypotheses were generated, based on observed results and the study's theoretical rationale. (MP)

High school students are warned against service station fraud. A problem-solving section is designed to help students calculate consumer costs for various fraudulent transactions. Several ways of reducing fraud or of lessening the chances of problems are noted. (MP)

Examined the ability of kindergarten children to use counting procedures to solve story problems. A major factor affecting pupil ability was the use of manipulative materials which illustrate the sets and relationships. Findings indicate that pupil success hinges on problem complexity and that this method could be used for early diagnosis of pupil…

Using error analysis and individual interviews, the problem-solving actions of first and second graders were analyzed. Shortcomings of children's knowledge and solution strategies were seen to be overcome by instruction. A control group, with usual arithmetic instruction, and an experimental group were established and the hypothesized…

An example is discussed in which a drill exercise, initially involving whole number addition, can be used to develop concepts in equations of many variables. (MP)

Based on information gained in an interview with a 12-year-old girl in grade seven, a rational reconstruction of the student's problem-solving strategy is proposed and compared with the strategies normally prescribed in contemporary school mathematics textbooks. (Author/CHC)

The process that Hippasus of Metapontum (ca. 470 B.C.) may have used to discover irrational numbers is reconstructed. (MP)

Following trials in which children self-administered prizes, subjects in the stringent-demand group performed significantly better, during both the incentive and the extinction conditions, on time at task, number of correct problems, and number of problems attempted, than did subjects in lenient-demand and control groups. (Author/CP)

Discusses methods and exercises appropriate for use in a secondary school chemistry classroom to enhance mastery of skills in these three areas: communication, mathematics, and problem solving. (CS)

Mathematics instruction can be approached as a cognitive skill, as illustrated by these elementary-level classroom activities. (LH)

An eight-phase model of processes involved in mathematics problem solving is presented. At each phase, results from factor-analytic studies are used to suggest abilities relevant and prerequisite for successful completion of the phase. Presentation of the model is followed by a discussion of implications for teaching and research. (Author/MK)

Reports that spatial ability was unrelated to formal reasoning task performance. Notes that sex differences occurred with balance tasks and pendulum tasks, suggesting male superiority at manifesting proportionality and isolating variables. (Author/RL)