Schema-Based Theories of Problem Solving.

Abstract

The objective of this project was to formulate a schema-based model of problem solving to represent the construction of equations for solving algebra word problems. The first section shows how this research can be related to five characteristics of schema theories: abstraction of relevant properties, instantiation, and hierarchical organization according to different levels of specificity. The second section discusses the selection of analogous problems to determine whether students are able to judge which of two analogous problems will be more helpful. The third section discusses transfer to similar problems in which subjects must modify a solution to solve a problem that has the same story content. The fourth section discusses transfer to isomorphic problems in which subjects must overcome the different story content to detect the identity of two solutions. The fifth section discusses the variables that influence the successful categorization of problems according to common solution principles. A concluding section compares the schema approach with a research approach that uses general heuristics to find a solution.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 17, 1991
Accession Number
ADA233003

Entities

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  • Stephen K. Reed

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  • San Diego State University

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  • Biomedical

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