Although taxonomic proficiency is a prerequisite for understanding ideas central to biology, previous research has established that learners frequently misclassify animals by not following the tenets of accepted taxonomic rubrics. This has immediate relevance with the recently revised English National Curriculum now requiring concepts of animal…

Explores the relationship of an individual's reliance or nonreliance upon concrete cues in problem solving and performance on a model-based measure of hierarchical classification. Level of cognitive development, as determined by performance on Piaget-type tasks, generally predicted hierarchical classification ability of junior- and senior-high…

Constructed response and multiple choice modes of programed instruction were compared. Both formats enhanced classification performance; the effect was greatest when the criterion test was in the same mode as the instruction. (AL)

Explored the development of hierarchical classification and the age at which this ability appears fully developed. Two measures of hierarchical classification ability were administered to primary, elementary, junior high and high school students. Discusses results which support Piaget's contention that this ability is not developed until late…

Purposes of this study were to (1) develop an instrument requiring several classification activities; (2) investigate the correlation between classification ability and intelligence scores of junior high school students (N=365); and (3) determine if classification ability differs with age and gender. Findings included a significant correlation…