Investigates the hypothesis that strategy development might occur within or beyond the period of formal operations, but that this development might be discernible only beyond the second order of analogical relations. Adolescent strategy development in the solution of third-order analogies resembled in pattern the preadolescent development found in…

Identifies three classifications of scientific ideas (center, frontier, fringe) and defines fringe as a region where ideas are highly speculative or weakly confirmed. Points out the factual and logical fallacies of fringe science through questions based upon scientific methodology, discussion, and numerous examples from the past and present. (DC)

Social-matching problems were verbally presented to children either with or without concrete models. In each condition, information was provided which was sufficient, superfluous, or irrelevant. Problems containing only irrelevant information were the most difficult, although models enhanced the performance of younger children but depressed the…

Many science curriculum development projects have the goal of increasing students' ability to employ scientific or formal reasoning strategies. Argues that longitudinal data of students who acquired formal reasoning strategies as a consequence of specific instruction are needed to provide evidence that these skills will help in other academic…

Discusses the use of the clinical interview in assessing cognitive structure and in investigating conceptual change. They caution much more work is needed to increase the applicability and validity of the clinical interview method and point out that there is a lack of systematization in the analysis of interview transcripts. (Author/PB)

The aims of this study were (1) to test the dyadic superiority hypothesis by comparing dyadic performance on a logical reasoning task with the performance of children working alone, and (2) to determine whether the incorrect child's compliance with the correct child was a major factor in the dyadic production of correct answers. (Author/DB)

The importance of critical reading skills is discussed. Motivation techniques and methods for adult instruction in analytical reading and thinking are suggested, together with ways for adult educators to evaluate their own teaching of critical reading skills. (SK)

Among third, fourth, and fifth graders tested, performance on embedded figures and leveling-sharpening tests correlated with performance on traditional items of class inclusion, suggesting that psychological differentiation is related to reasoning by class inclusion. However, age changes in differentiation do not account for age changes in class…

The authors conducted a developmental test of the discounting principle (that the role of a given cause in producing effects is reduced if other plausible causes are also present) by showing an animated film to kindergarten and second-grade children. Results conflicted with previous research findings. (Author/DB)

Even among individuals operating at Piaget's highest cognitive level (Formal Operations Stage) there is a range of behaviors on important cognitive characteristics. Various substages and their performance criteria are suggested. (JD)

Described is a program, "Philosophy for Children," the purpose of which is to teach children to think independently, logically, and ethically. Students' reading, math and communication skills improved dramatically after one year in the program. Included are questions which teachers in the program are encouraged to ask. (KC)

Explores linking the teaching of science to everday situations, with the idea that science education is particularly suited for the development of critical thinking habits. Conclusions are made regarding the "prompting effect" of everyday topics in the ability of ninth-grade biology students to recognize logical fallacies. (CS)

Three task context factors that form obstacles to generalizing logical reasoning strategies for adolescents are discussed. The relationship between these obstacle factors and Piagetian theory is explored. Findings suggest that it is possible to make some predictions about how and when logical mechanisms will be generalized to new situations.…

The paper presents a discussion of a theory of intelligence which postulates that intelligence develops rather than that intelligence is an innate ability possessed in full measure at birth. Discussion of unresolved issues surrounding their theory is presented. The effect of such a theory on science teaching is discussed. (RE)