Explains the effects of self-monitoring and reinforcement on problem solving performance. Groups of 30 high self-monitors and 30 low self-monitors were divided randomly into cells which received either positive reinforcement or negative feedback, or served as the control. Finds a significant difference in general problem solving ability. (KO)

This review shows that mentally retarded children can produce problem-solving strategies if they comprehend the task requirements, share the experimenter's goal, and construct an optimal problem-solving representation. Instruction with multiple exemplars of a task can induce generalized strategy use, and nonvolitional mechanisms play a role in use…

An experiment using guided design scenarios for a self-care pharmacy practice course found that despite differing entry-level knowledge, all students were able to meet course and unit objectives using the instructional format, indicating it is one method of presenting problem-solving learning activities involving higher-level cognitive processes.…

A comparative evaluation of two underground coal mines identified the reasons why one was the most productive and the other was the least productive mine operated by the company. The vested interests of contending groups provide a partial explanation. The problem-solving process evolving out of the evaluation is described. (SLD)

Two approaches to conflict resolution in the workplace are described. A systems approach questions the organization's systems rather than the behavior or motives of co-workers. Problem-solving retreats encourage team building and group cohesion and focus on long-term issues. (SK)

Administered problem-solving appraisal inventories to Veterans Administration inpatient recovering male alcoholics (N=45) to generalize problem-solving appraisal research beyond normal population to clinical population. Results suggest that problem-solving appraisal of inpatient male alcoholics is more similar to late adolescents than to adults.…

Eighty-nine children, aged 4-8, generalized a problem-solving strategy learned on one task to a different version of the task. Compared to average-Intelligence Quotient children, the high-Intelligence Quotient children learned more from their illegal moves and more frequently recognized similarities in the tasks' features. (Author/JDD)

This study of 75 gifted students in grades 6-8 found that the group receiving Creative Problem Solving training with transfer strategies infused had a higher percentage of students applying the strategies to problems out of the context of the training sessions, compared to control group students and students receiving traditional training.…

Children of five to eight years of age were assigned to a play group, a narrow-focus, goal-directed group, or a broad-focus, goal-directed group. Children in the broad-focus group recognized and recalled significantly more features of the environment than did children in the other two groups. (Author/BB)

Explores the role of spatial orientation skill in the solution of mathematics problems. Reports the role of estimating the approximate magnitude of a figure; demonstrating the flexibility to change; adding marks to show relationships; moving or assessing the size and shape of figure; and getting the correct answer. (YP)

Discusses the implementation of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards, especially problem solving, into the elementary mathematics curriculum. Presents three examples: measurement and seriation at the primary level; place value for intermediate level; and spatial reasoning and logical thinking at the intermediate level. (YP)

Considers what college students think reasoning about physics involves. Discusses whether it is possible to identify students' general conceptions of physics and the effects of a course on students' concepts. Data indicated that students' understandings had an effect on problem solving, qualitative problems, and misconceptions. (YP)

Two views of clinical problem solving (CPS) are compared. When research on teachers' cognitions was initiated in 1974, the concept of CPS was invoked primarily in terms of diagnosing and treating dysfunction. Presently, educators have reached a different, hierarchical view. This shift brings teaching closer to art and farther from science. (SLD)

Discusses the generalizability of critical thinking and the disposition to think critically. Argues that verbal reports of examinees' thinking on multiple-choice tests can explain the reasoning behind their answers and, thus, can be used to assess the inability to make credibility judgments. (FMW)

Results are reported from a study involving 141 elementary students which investigated the relationship between students' use of cognitive strategies during social studies critical thinking tasks and their perceptions of classroom instruction. (IAH)