Preschool children's problem solving processes are investigated in both direct and indirect ways. Direct investigations focus on substantive and methodological issues related to how children solve a few well defined puzzles, such as the Tower of Hanoi and the Tangram. Indirect investigations deal with related issues: U-shaped (or non-monotone)…

Reported is a study of the effectiveness of the Energy Environment Simulator (EES) in developing energy awareness and positive attitudes towards energy issues in students at various levels of cognitive development. The EES is a portable computer model of U.S. energy resources, environmental quality and food distribution. Subjects were students…

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…

This paper focuses on the importance of providing students with a broad humanistic education while, at the same time, maintaining accountability to urban taxpayers. The author describes the contemporary situation of tax revolts, millage defeats, and concern over student proficiency exams, and attributes these phenomena to the public's desire to…

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…

This paper summarizes an examination and critique of literature related to the application of developmental theories to teacher education. Analysis of selected readings revealed a weak bond between the theoretical framework of developmentalists and concrete practices. It was concluded that, though much may be gained from a developmental theory of…

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.…

Acquiescence, the tendency to respond affirmatively regardless of the content of a question, was examined in 57 mentally retarded children (11 to 17 years old) and 91 nonretarded children (3 to 8 years old). Embedded within the standard interview schedule for both samples were two pairs of oppositely worded questions on the same topic.…

The paper describes Project ADVANCE, a Behavior Management System which addressed the behavioral adjustment, academic performance, and vocational development needs of 44 emotionally disturbed students (between the ages of 14 and 20) in Salem County, New Jersey. Section I provides an introduction with information on project goals, the significance…

The process of assertive behavior change of college women who received assertion training (AT) and cognitive restructuring was examined to assess the relative effects of different durations of exposure to cognitive restructuring. Undergraduate and graduate women students (N=27) at a state university volunteered and were screened for AT groups.…

The goals of bilingual education and its relationship to education are examined, and a model for bilingual education is proposed. A definition of bilingual education is emerging that permits the child to choose the mode of communication with which he is most comfortable. Cognitive psychology and its emphasis upon the child's active interactions…

The study investigated the outcomes of two intervention programs for 60 male juvenile offenders (aged 13-17 years). Group I (30 Ss) were placed at a correctional camp facility modeled after the Outward Bound program, which incorporates a particular treatment concept designed to increase self esteem. Group II participants (30 Ss) were placed on…

When assessing the influence of empathy on prosocial motivation, analyzing empathy alone would lead to a misunderstanding. We must also assess other elements of the situation, such as the altruist's coping skills and situational constraints. In a similar manner empathy itself should be conceptualized as a process with many elements. One way to…

These 14 research reports are grouped into three broad categories based on the Piagetian level concerned. The articles concerning preoperational concepts focus on problems such as: (1) finding an appropriate mathematical description of some of the primitive mathematical concepts; (2) the role of "activities" in early concept acquisition;…