Conflicting explanations and unrelated information in science classrooms increase cognitive load and decrease efficiency in learning. This reduced efficiency ultimately limits one's ability to solve reasoning problems in the science. In reasoning, it is the ability of students to sift through and identify critical pieces of information that is of…

An explicit model of the process of quantification which involves the operations of subitizing and counting is described. The general model states that quantification of n items takes place via subitizing when n is less than five and via subitizing and addition (that is, counting) when n is five or larger. The explicit model is stated in the form…

Experiments dealing with quantification processes in adults were run as part of an attempt to formulate an information processing model of cognitive development. The existence of three quantification operators--subitizing, counting and estimation--was first postulated. Experiments were then designed to refine the parameters which define the…

Reviews research that has led to new ways of understanding mathematical development in young children. Covers research on information processing theory and cognitive science. (BB)

This investigation capitalizes upon the information processing models that depend upon measurement of latency of response to a mathematical problem and the decomposition of reaction time (RT). Simple two term addition problems were presented with possible solutions for true-false verification, and accuracy and RT to response were recorded. Total…