Ratcliff's theory of memory retrieval which posits parallel processing and Sternberg's serial processing explanation of memory scanning are reviewed and contrasted. Discrepancy between the two theories may arise because they focus on different aspects of the data. If scanning without comparisons takes place, the two views may be reconciled.…

Discusses the applications of Piaget's theory of cognitive development to elementary and junior high school science teaching. Topics include planning concrete experiences, inductive and hypothetical deductive reasoning, measurement concepts, combinatorial logic, scientific experimentation and reflexive thinking. (SA)

Investigates age differences in selective attention in a coded visual search task where subjects were given different types of information about target location before trial onset. (Author/SS)

Reviews the effects of source credibility and other variables in the communication process, showing how they work in cognitive response and attribution theories. Develops and posits a theoretical position that links the two types of theories. (RL)

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)

Findings reveal that students who are skillful in perceptual restructuring attain significantly higher mean achievement scores in science, in knowledge of science, and in the ability to apply what has been learned in unfamiliar contexts than students with low structuring ability. (Author/MA)

Explores the impact of a change in status in language programs and the culture of second language learning in Australian schools, particularly in light of declared goals such as a language other than English for all and the integration of language teaching and learning with Australia's external political and economic priorities. (32 references)…

Reports on year-long classroom teaching experiments in two predominantly Latino low-socioeconomic-status (SES) urban classrooms which sought to support first graders' thinking of 2-digit quantities as tens and ones. Presents a model of a developmental sequence of conceptual structures for 2-digit numbers to describe children's thinking.…

Emphasizes five aspects important to a primary school second-language program in Australia: a program rationale; timing of program initiation; teaching milieu; frequency and length of lessons; and locus for the lessons. The article argues that a new language program must be set up for success and a recurrent budget allowing for print materials,…

Reviews "Levels of Cognitive Development," which presents a theory of cognitive development integrating discrimination- learning research with understanding of higher cognitive processes. Argues that strengths include its presentation of systematic research and providing continuity between past and present models. Weaknesses include…

Psychoanalysis, which focuses on unconscious mental processes, in contrast with the aggressive rational, linear, and goal-oriented nature of legal thinking, is used as a framework for understanding the art of negotiation in legal work. It is argued that a psychoanalytic approach can help people understand how they may help or hinder themselves in…

To investigate whether problem-based learning leads to conceptual change, the cognitive and metacognitive processes of a group of medical students were studied during the problem analysis phase, and their verbal communication and thinking processes were analyzed. Stimulated recall of the thinking process during the discussion detected a conceptual…

Defines creativity, recognizing both developmental continuities and discontinuities. Also distinguishes between creative interpretation and cognitive restructuring, emphasizing transformational abilities, and between perceptual and discretionary cognitive processes. (DR)

Analyzes the incorporation patterns of well-educated, but low proficiency, Chinese immigrants (n=4) to Spain and of high-proficiency Chinese university students (n=4) with extensive formal training in Spanish. Findings reveal that whereas the university students showed awareness of error and successfully incorporated native speakers' corrections,…

Four major concepts of cognitive theory (the importance of context, students' need for transferable knowledge, importance of balancing depth and breadth of knowledge, and the role of prior knowledge in problem solving) are examined, and possible implications of each concept for the curriculum and teaching of ambulatory health care are explored.…