The present paper aims at a cross-validation of two theoretical constructs (the construct of cognitive preferences and the logical/associative model of a concept) that have been used as nonroutine measures of student assessment and curriculum evaluation. (BW)

The Medical Cognitive Preference Inventory was used to determine the preferred cognitive styles of medical school professors and students. The most important results indicate a general similarity in the cognitive preferences of teachers and students. (CJ)

Cognitive preference, a cognitive style acquired through life and learning experiences and representing a distinct orientation to information processing, was related to creativity of college students (N=135). Correlations were observed between cognitive preference and verbal creativity but not with figural creativity as measured by the Torrance…

This study examines the claim that cognitive preferences in science are no more than expressions of levels of cognitive operation as described by Bloom's Taxonomy. 667 twelfth grade students of chemistry and 989 twelfth grade biology students took a cognitive preference and an achievement test in their respective disciplines. The limitations of…

Presents meta-analysis of 54 articles and dissertations dealing with cognitive preferences. Information provided includes: test reliability; comparisons by country, grade level, gender, disciplines, and curricula; relationships between cognitive preferences and career orientation, science achievement, interest, and aptitude; and effect sizes.…

Comparison of differences between the top 5% of ninth- (n=1942) and twelfth-grade (n=2277) students in science achievement and remaining students found that far more high achievers were male, typically came from small families, and had parents with more formal education (often in the sciences). High achievers typically preferred questioning over…

Effects of instruction with Foundational Approach in Science Teaching (FAST) environmental science materials on Hawaiian high school students included increased interest in studying science and higher achievement in high school biology. On the whole the FAST program has had positive effects on students regarding achievement, interest, and…

Results from Biology Cognitive Preference Inventory taken by grade 12 Jewish (N=406) and Arab (N=297) biology majors revealed similarities between cognitive preferences, achievement, and background variables. Reports that, in spite of substantial cultural and home differences, both groups became oriented toward principles/questioning rather than…

Presents a study which deals with cognitive preferences in agriculture of 943 Israeli middle-school (seventh and eighth grade) students and their teachers using a special cognitive preference inventory which was developed on the basis of the agricultural topics studies in Israeli schools. (HM)

Proposes an approach to school laboratory experiences which leads to gradual acquisition of inquiry skills based on the idea of advance organizers. Presents a design which is context familiar and can serve as an introduction to scientific inquiry. Discusses student achievement, and teacher and student attitudes. (CW)

Describes the use of concept mapping (CM) in design, instruction, and assessment related to microbiology lessons prepared for high school students in Israel. Indicates that students utilizing CM displayed an overall, higher achievement gain than students in traditional classes. Recognizes that some teachers did not thoroughly exploit the potential…

Scores of high school students responding to the same biology cognitive preference test using both normative and ipsative procedures were compared. All subtests, whether ipsative or normative, had high alpha Cronbach coefficients. A number of similarities were found in the mean scores obtained by the two procedures, as well as moderate positive…

Reports on a study of the cognitive preferences of twelfth grade students in Israel. Results indicated that, during the last ten years, Israeli students have become more oriented toward application. (TW)

Science/Technology/Society STS) has been defined as teaching and learning in the context of human experiences. The STS movement has grown out of dissatisfaction with the curriculum reform of the 1960s and utilizes a problem solving approach that appeals to students' interests. This paper describes the STS approach and reports research results…