Some of the limitations of the lecture method for teaching analysis are discussed, some thoughts about the relevance of theories of personality type and learning style to the teaching of problem solving are offered, and a list of resources is given. (Author/MLW)

Explains the hierarchic structure of the mammalian visual system. Proposes a model in which feedback pathways serve to modify sensory stimuli in ways that enhance and complete sensory input patterns. Investigates the functioning of the system through computer simulations. (ML)

Discusses how standardized testing relates to curriculum content, the cognitive processes used in testing, learning from tests, and factors influencing test results. Focuses on testing in art education and the implications that it has for making art education part of the core curriculum. (AEM)

Investigated use of cognitive/attentional distraction (via commercially available video games) to control conditioned nausea in pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Video game-playing resulted in significantly less nausea. The introduction and withdrawal of the opportunity to play video games produced significant changes (reduction…

Describes recent theoretical developments in cognitive psychology that can be applied to second language acquisition, including consideration of linguistic theories in addressing the role of mental processes in second language acquisition, current cognitive learning theory, and possible applications of a theoretical model to memory representation,…

Forty-two undergraduates were tested to determine how scores on visual and verbal divergent thinking tests would be affected by instructions to use visual imagery and by individual differences in visual imagery ability. Results indicated that such instructions may interfere with test performance, but that individual differences did not influence…

Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children scores obtained by 20 Down's syndrome children (ages 8-12) were compared with scores of 20 younger siblings and 20 nonretarded children matched for mental age. Among results were that Down's syndrome children performed significantly better on subtests employing visual as opposed to auditory channels of…

Reports three experiments with kindergartners and first graders which used one-trial multidimensional reasoning tasks like those of Toppino (Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, v30, p496-512, 1980). Feedback information and preliminary experience with simple forms of the task produced high performance levels, and verbal labeling in the…

How the computer as a metaphor affects our understanding of the processes of learning and teaching is explored. After describing reflection and recursion in mathematics and their roles in thinking and learning, models of the mind and teaching effects are discussed, with self-awareness as a theme. (MNS)

Theoretical views regarding the cognitive processes of summarization are reviewed and some of the specific cognitive operations involved in summarization are considered. It is argued that the cognitive demands of summarization are dependent upon the qualities of the text to be summarized. (Author/LMO)

This article focuses on two approaches to teaching reasoning and problem solving. One emphasizes the role of domain-specific knowledge; the other emphasizes general strategic and metacognitive knowledge. Many instructional programs are based on the latter approach. The article concludes that these programs can be strengthened by focusing on domain…

Research has uncovered the underlying processes of reading. Research on three of these processes is reviewed: (1) elucidating a general model of reading; (2) developing word recognition accuracy and efficiency; and (3) improving comprehension through the training of text processing and through enhancement of vocabulary and background knowledge.…

Assesses the validity of a 20-item scale that purportedly measures long term memory records--in this case, frightening mass media. Evidence for validity emerged in that subjects' scale scores were related to negative emotion, negative cognitions, and skin conductance during film clips of scary movies. (NKA)

Argues that the construction of new utterances formulated by speakers of English as a foreign language is the result of the cognitive process linking up old form (memory) with new form (intent). A model sentence is learned through a process of morphological and syntactical interference and eventually becomes, due to creative re-ordering, a new…

Reviews several experiments which examined the cognitive function of finger writing, an activity widely used by Japanese people and thought to be related to Kanji learning. Children and university students performed either Kanji anagram tasks or English word tasks. Finger writing appears to originate from the existence of motoric or action-based…