A word problem is more difficult to solve when the minimum number of different operations to reach the correct solution is large, when it is of a different type than a problem preceding it, when the indexed complexity of its most complex sentence is great, when there are a large number of words in the problem, and when a conversion of units (as…

The influence of changes in wording of simple arithmetic problems without affecting semantic structure on the level of difficulty for primary-grade students was investigated. Data analysis produced results that rewording the problem so that the semantic relations are made more explicit facilitates the construction of an appropriate mental…

To determine how hard it is for computers to solve problems, researchers have classified groups of problems (polynomial hierarchy) according to how much time they seem to require for their solutions. A difficult and complex proof is offered which shows that a combinatorial approach (using Boolean circuits) may resolve the problem. (JN)

Focusing on the precise grounds on which a person can be said to have solved a problem, six conditions are articulated which govern the application of the concept and its relationship to trying and intention. The "solving" concept is found in synonymous phrases such as "figuring out" and "finding the solution." (Author/CM)

Fully developed definitions of evidence-based practice incorporate evidence from family perspectives, as well as evidence from research on the effectiveness of particular interventions. Systems for appraising research evidence typically place qualitative analyses at lower levels. The argument in this article is that qualitative data offer a…

Computer-assisted instruction systems have been broadly applied to help students solve math word problem. The majority of such systems, which are based on an instructor-initiating instruction strategy, provide pre-designed problems for the learners. When learners are asked to solve a word problem, the system will instruct the learners what to do.…

This study investigated the effects of informative feedback on a matching task with three combinations of verbal feedback and three levels of task complexity. The three types of feedback were right wrong (RW), nothing wrong (NW), and right nothing (RN). The three levels of task complexity were defined in terms of number of irrelevant stimulus…

Presents a study of preschoolers' imitation of a model's irrelevant hand gestures while performing easy and difficult tasks. (BD/BR)

This paper focuses on the mechanics and dynamics of questioning techniques as aids to trainers/teachers in "getting across" subject matter and interacting effectively with learners. The mechanics include three levels of questions--knowledge, application and problem-solving. Each of these levels is designed to foster different and…

Research supported in part by Veterans' Administration Medical Research Funds.

Experiment I establishes that the ability to remember the slope of a line develops between three and four years of age. In Experiment II, 15 children with a mean age of four years and six months who had discriminated both slope and left-right problems under successive presentation were tested on these same discriminations under simultaneous…

Lists 12 reasons why college students have difficulty solving chemistry problems and 12 suggestions for improvement. Lists were compiled from students in an introductory chemistry course. (SK)

Cognitive load theorists have frequently used subjective measures of cognitive load to test the effectiveness of instructional procedures. This study sought to broaden the applications of subjective measures by testing their ability to detect variations in intrinsic cognitive load within tasks. In two experiments students were asked to complete…

Results support the general conclusion that the disposition to respond in either a reflective or impulsive fashion influences the problem-solving efficiency and strategy behavior of elementary school children. The relative impact of cognitive style on problem solving varied with developmental level and the type of problem solved. (Author/BJG)