Suggestions for the use of two different conventions in difference and rate terms in thermodynamics are made. It is shown how this approach lends itself to an accurate and concise discussion of function changes for a chemical reaction. (CW)

Discusses difficulties technical writers and readers have concerning proposals that define problems and suggest innovation. Suggests that when writers recognize both their own and readers' assumptions about such problems, they can adopt techniques to gain reader concurrence. (KEH)

Discusses five ways in which counseling psychologists use testing to help people work with their problems: (1) as a method of enhancing short-term therapy; (2) as an aid to focusing on developmental issues; (3) as an aid to problem solving; (4) as an aid in decision making; and (5) in psychoeducational methods. (Author/TE)

An instrument for self-analysis of creative problem-solving style is introduced. A circular flow model of dynamic tension establishes a profile based on one's orientation toward generation, conceptualization, implementation, and optimization of knowledge. Preliminary tests with 130 businesspeople and undergraduate students indicate high…

Described are activities in the study of techniques used to conceal the meanings of messages and data. Some background information and two BASIC programs that illustrate the algorithms used in a new cryptographic system called "public-key cryptography" are included. (CW)

Presented are two examples of real-life examples that can be used to promote or exemplify concepts of probability and statistics. Details of the calculation of these probabilities are given. (CW)

Discussed is the tendency of students to equate the concepts of continuity and connected graphs based on their lack of an understanding of such concepts as limit points, closed sets, and connected sets. Included is a theorem with three lemmas with their proofs. (KR)

Discussed is the problem of inscribing a rectangle of maximum area in a given right triangle. Answered is whether there is an advantageous orientation and whether a corner of the rectangle of maximum area can lie on the midpoint of a leg of the triangle. (KR)

Significant changes in the General Educational Development Math Test require a change in teaching methods. A structured problem-solving approach focused on applying principles and interpreting abstract data will stress process as well as content as required by the test. (SK)

Maintains that the social studies curriculum is appropriate for teaching thinking skills but that the subject is taught to enhance student performance on state-mandated tests. Traces historically the introduction of thinking skills into the curriculum. Examines the conflict over teaching thinking skills; namely the content versus process dispute.…

Two characteristics that determine problem difficulty--the nature of the move search space and its interaction with other aspects of the task--were investigated in experiments in which 26, 69, 42, and 42 community college students attempted to solve the Chinese Ring Puzzle. The origins and implications of difficulty are discussed. (SLD)

Analogical reasoning processes were studied in 16 language-impaired children and 16 controls, age 6-8. Children who heard only verbal presentations of problems took longer to acquire problem solutions than children who simultaneously viewed physical demonstrations of the problems. There were no differences in transfer task performance. (Author/JDD)

The Test of Problem Solving (TOPS) was evaluated by 20 speech-language clinicians based on designer claims that the test assesses integration of semantic, linguistic, and reasoning ability and taps skills needed for academic and social acceptance. Results challenged the content validity of the test. (Author/DB)

The initial step of a strategic process for solving mathematical problems, "studying the question," is discussed. A lesson plan for teaching students to identify and revise arithmetic problems is presented, involving directed instruction and supervised practice. (JDD)

Factor analysis of coping behavior in adolescents in Frankfurt, Germany, and Tel Aviv yielded similar structures, but Israelis demonstrated a marked preference for internal coping strategies as opposed to coping by means of social resources. Discusses the impact of environmental and historical conditions. (DM)