A domain-specific information processing model of problem solving behavior in elementary electrostatics was developed. Instruction based on this model was evaluated in a large university-level physics course. The experimental design utilized treatment and instructor as crossed factors. Dependent variables included a test of problem solving…

This study investigated the problem representations formed by college students while solving mathematics problems. Problem representation characteristics indicative of understanding were identified by analyzing audio-tapes and written work of sixteen subjects, ages 16 to 24, who solved mathematics problems using the think-aloud technique. These…

The relation of knowledge for solving problems to understanding of general principles in a subject-matter domain is discussed. Theoretical representations, called "conceptual competence," are presented to represent principles that are believed to be understood implicitly by individuals. Implications for problem-solving procedures can be…

Physical and social loss which accompany aging are often believed to promote dependency upon family, social services, and health care providers. Clinicians frequently complain about dependent clients and patients who leave the clinician feeling worn out, or worse, burned out. Very few publications have defined or addressed this problem identified…

This article discusses a 4-stage model of counseling for college women with unwanted pregnancies who come to a university counseling center. It is based on a crisis model that is both time- and goal-limited. (Author)

Five methods are given for computing the area of a regular octahedron. It is suggested that students first construct an octahedron as this will aid in space visualization. Six further extensions are left for the reader to try. (LS)

A developmental model for a junior high school course in future studies is presented, and the relationship of the model to extant curricula, research data, and needs analyses is discussed. A design for integrating this model with a second problem-solving problem model to create a future-oriented, inventive problem-solving program is also…

The SPADE theory, which uses linguistic formalisms to model the planning and debugging processes of computer programming, was simultaneously developed and tested in three separate contexts--computer uses in education, automatic programming (a traditional artificial intelligence arena), and protocol analysis (the domain of information processing…

PATN is a design for a machine problem solver which uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent planning knowledge. In order to explore PATN's potential as a theory of human problem solving, a linguistic approach to protocol analysis is presented. An interpretation of a protocol is taken to be a parse tree supplemented by semantic and…

The advantages of the Delphi Technique are that it relies on collective expert judgment, prevents the excessive influence in decision-making of those in positions of status, and encourages consensus. The technique consists of five steps: (1) asking experts to list items relevant to a topic; (2) returning the list to the participants and asking…

This paper outlines a model of learning and problem solving based on ideas derived from information processing models of memory and Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning. The model explicitly deals with the cognitive processes that are required for learning, and defines the conditions necessary for learning as the existence of relevant…

The philosophy and activities of the Mathematical Problem Solving Project (MPSP) are described. The main focus is on the research and development efforts, especially the attempt to develop a conceptual framework for problem solving through the creation of an appropriate model. An extensive discussion of models of problem solving is included. Four…

This paper examines the application of different planning models to the new product development process. Various models are discussed in relation to the four principal stages of the process: product search, project development, market structure analysis, and investment analysis. The authors emphasize that all useful planning models must address a…