This paper explores the role of diagrams in a specific problem solving process. Two types of tests were administered to 194, 12 year old students, each of which consisted of six non-routine problems that could be solved with the use of a diagram. In Test A students were asked to respond to the problems in any way they wished whereas in Test B problems were accompanied by diagrams and students were asked to solve these problems with the use of the specific diagrams presented. The results revealed that there was no statistical significant difference between the two tests. The result also revealed that it was not the same group of students that were successful in the two tests. [For complete proceedings, see ED489538.]