The relationship between cognitive style and hypothesis-testing behavior was studied in 46 third grade children. It was found that field independent children process information more efficiently and according to a perfect focusing model. Efforts to enhance the information processing of field dependent children were described. (GDC)

Presents a problem-solving model comprised of nine generalizations derived from the methods and principles which guided the investigations of the fictional London detective, Sherlock Holmes. (EM)

These three brief articles concern problems students encounter in solving simple linear equations, children's conceptions of number, and the distinction between adding objects and adding numbers as illustrated by students' problems with Euler's formula. (SD)

Presents a study of inferential problem solving abilities of 5-year-old children. Tasks involved the combination of separately acquired behavior segments in order to solve a novel problem. (BD)

A 16-item conditional reasoning test was given to 281 students in grades 8, 10, 12, and 14. Developmental patterns of performance were examined. (Author/JMB)

Reports a study to determine whether the level of logical thinking, as indicated by performance on a task requiring control of variables, of a group of low SES urban students could be increased through a series of instructional exercises carried out under ordinary classroom conditions. (Author/CP)

Retarded and borderline intelligence adolescents (MA 8-12 years) and nonretarded children (MA 6-12 years) were given logical problem solving tasks. Results showed a profound deficiency in low IQ individuals on certain tasks requiring foresight and logic; MA markedly overestimates the performance of these individuals relative to the performance of…

Presents a collection of four case studies designed to help elementary students analyze situations where a wrong has occurred and offer recommendations for corrective justice. (JDH)

To improve problem-solving skills of learning-disabled students, five attributes of problem solution are outlined: the solution's permanence, starting time, length of time required, ease of implementation, and creation of additional problems. Based on these attributes, a structured method for rating and choosing solutions to personal or social…

To more carefully define the nature of thinking in social studies, this article examines shared features and teaching procedures of three alternative approaches to instruction for thinking: reflective thinking, inquiry, and critical thinking. Discusses the emerging field of cognitive science and draws implications for improving traditional…

Provides a lesson plan and student handouts for examining the question of whether Shays's Rebellion was an important cause of the United States Constitution. (JDH)

Reports the use of a memory load-interference paradigm and the easy-to-hard paradigm as converging operations to study capacity limitations in five- to six-year-old's reasoning. Concludes that transitive inference ability in children is capacity limited. (HOD)

Investigates the relationship between class inclusion and reasoning in 56 Dutch Children between 6 and 14 years of age. Concludes that when the children failed to respond correctly to questions about the validity of syllogisms, they did so because they lacked sufficient understanding of the premises. (HOD)

Indicates how the philosophic technique known as "thought experimentation" can be used profitably by composition teachers. Provides two examples. (EL)

Undergraduates were given complex figural analogies items, and eye movements were observed under three types of feedback: (1) elaborate feedback; (2) subjects verbalized their thinking and application of rules; and (3) no feedback. Both feedback conditions enhanced the rule-governed information processing during inductive reasoning. (Author/GDC)