A programed unit on triangle constructions using an information processing prescriptive model was compared to a traditional model. The experimental group scored significantly higher on a retention test. (MP)

In this paper, Simon describes contemporary information processing approaches to the study of learning and thinking, and discusses the relevance of these studies to the distinction between rote and meaningful learning. Before defining the basic terminology of information processing research, he provides a brief literature review, describing some…

The author provides a brief view of issues and developments in the field of problem solving in the light of progress made as well as implications for the future. (MN)

Human information processing is analyzed in terms of eight fundamental concepts: procedures, operations on procedures, frames, planning language or meta-language, heuristics, knowledge in other forms, critics, and pointers. Examples of this processing are given. (MK)

The research reported in this paper was designed to analyze the incidence of use of higher-order rules by students solving geometric construction problems. A carefully selected set of construction problems was subjected to rigorous a priori analysis by mathematics educators to determine what basic and second-order rules might be used by able high…

Gifted secondary students not only solved problems better, faster, and with less assistance than average pupils, but also processed information in a different fashion. (MNS)

In the pair of experiments reported here the authors investigated the relationship between meaningfulness of problem statements and subjects' use of these statements in problem-solving tasks. Subjects (96 university students) were required to memorize meaningful formulae such as "volume = area x height" or corresponding symbolic formulae such as…

This set of papers was originally developed for a conference on Issues and Directions in Mathematics Problem Solving Research held at Indiana University in May 1981. The purpose is to contribute to the clear formulation of the key issues in mathematical problem-solving research by presenting the ideas of actively involved researchers. An…

Sixteen investigations using 32 third graders, 286 fourth graders, 183 fifth graders, and 343 sixth graders, were undertaken to determine table-using proficiencies. The data indicate that: (1) upper elementary students are able to retrieve information accurately and quickly from noncomplex numerical tables over a wide range of levels of tabular…

This paper reports an experiment designed to test theoretical relations among fast problem solving, more complex and slower problem solving, and research concerning fundamental memory processes. Using a cathode ray tube, subjects were presented with propositions of the form "Y is in list X" which they memorized. In later testing they were asked to…

Since the mid-1960s a new approach has dominated American research in the area of mathematics education -- information-processing theory. The author examines several examples of research in this new tradition and sketches the general features of an emerging information-processing psychology of teaching. Information-processing studies that employ…

The papers contained in this document were originally presented at the May 1978 conference on Modeling Mathematical Cognitive Development sponsored by the Models of Learning Mathematics Working Group of the Georgia Center for the Study of Learning and Teaching Mathematics. Most have been revised to reflect comments and suggestions made at the…

Presented are abstracts of 14 research reports. Topics covered include: (1) the effects of games on mathematics skills and concepts; (2) the use of problem-solving heuristics in the playing of games involving mathematics; (3) sex differences in electing mathematics; (4) the origins of sex differences in high school mathematics achievement and…

This study, based on the analysis of extensive interview data using concepts and models drawn from cognitive studies of human behavior and from artificial intelligence studies of computer information processing, highlights several information-processing differences between strong and weak students. Data were collected from 300 students in grades 3…

This collection of nine papers, prepared for a conference held at Northwestern University in 1978, presents varied perspectives on applied problem solving. Assessing applied problem solving, planning for interest and motivation, developing a theory, reviewing research findings, considering learning disabilities, analyzing through information…