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Smith, Mike U. – Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 1992
Compares 7 biology faculty members, 9 genetic counselors, and 26 undergraduate students according to both expertise and problem-solving success within the domain of genetics. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that as expertise is attained, the individual restructures knowledge into a framework based upon the critical dimensions which…
Descriptors: Biology, Cognitive Structures, Cognitive Style, Comparative Analysis
Ross, Bertram H. B. – 1989
An investigation of Ontario high school students' understanding of acids and bases with quantitative and qualitative methods revealed misconceptions. A concept map, based on the objectives of the Chemistry Curriculum Guideline, generated multiple-choice items and interview questions. The multiple-choice test was administered to 34 grade 12…
Descriptors: Acids, Chemical Reactions, Chemistry, Cognitive Structures
Lee, Okhee; And Others – 1990
The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to understand the conceptual frameworks that sixth-grade students use to explain the nature and structure of matter and molecules; and (2) to assess the effectiveness of two alternate instructional units in helping students change those conceptions. The study involved 15 sixth-grade classes taught by 12…
Descriptors: Cognitive Structures, Elementary School Science, Grade 6, Intermediate Grades

Hestenes, David; Wells, Malcolm – Physics Teacher, 1992
Reports the design of the "Mechanics Baseline Test," an instrument to assess students' understandings about concepts in mechanics. Discusses how comparisons of test results with extensive baseline data can be used to evaluate instruction at all levels. Includes a copy of the instrument. (MDH)
Descriptors: Cognitive Development, Cognitive Measurement, Cognitive Structures, Force
Clement, John; And Others – 1989
Three purposes of this study were to: (1) propose some organizing theoretical and observational definitions of the anchor construct; (2) present some initial findings from a diagnostic test designed to uncover anchors for high school physics instruction; and (3) provoke an initial discussion of the new methodological issues that arise in this…
Descriptors: Cognitive Structures, Concept Formation, Concept Teaching, Diagnostic Tests
Silver, Edward A. – Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics, 1992
This study examined the hypothesis that prior experience with augmented-quotient problems would positively influence performance on remainder-only problems and quotient-only problems. Analysis of sixth through eighth grade students' (n=545) responses to test forms that systematically varied the order of appearance of these three division problems,…
Descriptors: Analysis of Variance, Cognitive Processes, Cognitive Structures, Computation

Hestenes, David; And Others – Physics Teacher, 1992
Reports the rationale, design, validation, and uses of the "Force Concept Inventory," an instrument to assess the students' beliefs on force. Includes results and implications of two studies that compared the inventory with the "Mechanics Baseline." Includes a copy of the instrument. (MDH)
Descriptors: Attitude Measures, Beliefs, Cognitive Measurement, Cognitive Structures
Schoen, Harold L.; And Others – 1987
The estimation processes used by fifth through eighth grade students as they responded to computational estimation test items were examined. Interview-based process descriptions were cross-validated using large group test data from an open-ended test and a multiple choice test. Five question formats were used to test different estimation…
Descriptors: Age Differences, Cognitive Processes, Cognitive Structures, Cognitive Style
McGinnis, J. Randy – 1992
This study qualitatively investigates the taboo and "noa" topics of Science-Technology-Society (STS) taught in two local cultures. Taboos are beliefs that constrain behavior by making those behaviors perceived as threatening by the members of the social group forbidden and improper for discussion. "Noa" is the Polynesian word…
Descriptors: Case Studies, Cognitive Structures, Constructivism (Learning), Cultural Context