The personal problem-solving process can be functionally analyzed from a cognitive-behavioral perspective into at least four major performance classes: (1) decision making; (2) problem exploration, differentiation, and definition; (3) identification of response alternatives; and (4) performance of an intended solution response. The personal…

Presented is a discussion of the nature of individual differences in the learning of mathematics, which leads to a review of field-dependent and field-independent cognitive styles. Field-dependence-independence is noted as an important variable in school learning and a study is cited that investigated the relationship between pupil success at…

It has been suggested that cognitive style interacts with performance on tasks measuring formal thought. It is hypothesized that cognitive style interacts with task context rather than with the underlying formal thought processes. Experiments are reported to clarify the type of task that elicits an interaction and to determine whether such…

Presented are 13 articles which contain abstracts and analyses of research reports related to mathematics education. The first article considers six working papers, on a variety of topics, from E. G. Begle and the Stanford Mathematics Education Study Group. Of the remaining reports, two deal with problem solving, five with some aspect of learning…

Two techniques were used to modify an impulsive conceptual tempo on a visual discrimination task. The subjects were 42 first grade white children who had previously been classified as impulsive or near-impulsive on the Matching Familiar Figures Test given to 82 children. These subjects, who had scored above the median on errors and below the…

Examined with 95 educable mentally retarded male Ss (9-10.5 years old) was the relationship between anxiety and outerdirectedness. Ss were given the Test Anxiety Scale for Children (TASC) and a measure of outerdirectedness involving a puzzle task. Zero correlation was found between anxiety and outerdirectedness; and the same results were found…

Primary care physicians were surveyed regarding their preference for lecture, hands-on, and problem-based learning sessions. Analyses found no significant relationship between individual learning style as determined by the instrument used and instructional preferences. The discussion examines potential reasons for these findings. (CT)

Provides information on (1) a general indication of change in the cognitive structure of students associated with chemical comprehension; (2) the comparison of clusters of concepts; and (3) a graphical representation of the links among concepts. Argues that constrained word associations serve as a useful tool for mapping aspects of cognitive…

Argues that a framework is needed for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) which would provide criteria for decisions about priorities and emphases. A comparison of two different types of CALL programs is made for the insights they may offer into developmental principles. (SED)

Describes the Instrumental Enrichment (IE) program, a three-year series of problem-solving tasks and exercises that are grouped in 14 areas of specific cognitive development called instruments rather than lessons. The aim of IE is to transform the retarded performer's behavior from a passive and dependent cognitive style to that of an active,…

This paper discusses the differences between spatial and sequential learning, characteristics of individuals who exhibit stronger visual-spatial learning, and strategies for teaching children with visual-spatial strengths. Techniques include: (1) using visual aids, such as overhead projectors, and visual imagery in lectures; (2) using manipulative…

Eighty gifted children were administered divergent thinking and problem-solving tasks, as well as measures of tolerance for ambiguity, locus of control, and self-esteem. The four comparison groups varied in intelligence quotient and ideational fluency. Results emphasized the consistency among cognitive and affective dimensions of divergent or…

A novel cognitive style distinction is introduced: the Assimilator, who stretches established principles to meet novel tasks, and the Explorer, who seeks novel solutions even when established principles would serve. The assets and liabilities of each problem-solving style are considered and results of a validation study presented. (Editor/SJL)

This article describes a framework for assessing young children with severe multiple disabilities. The assessment is child-led and examines underlying processes of learning, including biobehavioral state, orienting response, learning channels, approach-withdrawal, memory, interactions, communication, and problem solving. Case studies and a sample…

Social problem solving and cognitive style (field independence/field dependence) were studied in a sample of 70 elementary and secondary teachers taking a summer course in counseling. Protocol analysis was used to identify the variety of problem-solving methods applied to social problems. (SLD)