Examined college students' logical reasoning ability using the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) as a major predictor of science acheivement. Reports an improvement on each of the subscale scores, and a significant correlation with four science subjects on both pre- and post-TOLT scores. (YP)

The Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) is a written test of cognitive development constructed to be logically equivalent to specific Piagetian tasks. It consists of 36 open-ended items administered in a one-to-one situation. Subjects were middle to upper class, predominantly white elementary school students. The 168 students were randomly drawn from…

Measurements of formal reasoning and principled moral reasoning ability were obtained from a sample of 99 tenth grade students. Specific modes of formal reasoning (proportional reasoning, controlling variables, probabilistic, correlational and combinatorial reasoning) were first examined. Findings support the notion of hierarchical relationships…

Results are presented of a study examining the Test of Integrated Process Skills (TIPS) and the Tobin and Capie Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT). Each of the two tests was analyzed to provide five subtest and total test scores, which were then correlated to examine relationships between broad measures of process skill and logical thinking ability…

This study compared the process skill achievement of students (N=107) completing traditional laboratory exercises with students (N=127) not only completing the same exercises but also receiving instruction in such integrated process skills as identifying variables and stating hypotheses. The relationships among process skill achievement, cognitive…

Reviews the theoretical framework of instructional programs and the emphasis on enhancing formal reasoning ability. Investigates the effect of an instructional program using inquiry-based learning in pre-service science teacher education students. Reports that the promotion of formal reasoning abilities may be achieved through the five-phase…

Based upon Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning, this study focused on the use of concept maps (diagrams that portray relationships among concepts in a given area of study) to help students identify logical relationships between a new concept and concepts already known. Relationships of a learner's prior knowledge and cognitive development to…

The purpose of this study was to design a prototype written test of cognitive development based on the model of Piaget. Although the results were not consistent with Piaget's theory, test development was only partially successful. Specifically, validation of the scales was excellent or poor depending on the perspective. Analysis of the item…

While logical reasoning skills are related to success in science, the relationship between thought and formal logic is not clear. Propositional Logic Test (PLT), error patterns of students' interpretations of logical proposition, and developmental patterns of the error type are described. Examined is the relationship between logical reasoning…

Developmental patterns in one mode of formal reasoning (probabilistic reasoning) were examined in this research study, specifically: (1) to determine if developmental patterns of probabilistic reasoning could be confirmed using a large, diverse sample of subjects, and if they could be similar despite variations in the complexity of the reasoning…

Reported are results of a study designed to determine developmental patterns in proportional reasoning and to determine if these patterns are similar regardless of educational level and regardless of problem context. Data from 2282 subjects in grades 6-13 were collected using the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT), and then examined for subjects who…