Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
The present study investigated how students in a college
algebra class select potentially useful solutions for
solving algebra word problems. Several variables, including
similarity, complexity, and inclusiveness were assessed to
determine how they influence subjects' selections. Results
indicated that neither complexity nor inclusiveness had a
significant impact on students' selections and that students
select solutions primarily on the basis of similarity.
Students' inability to select potentially useful solutions
was revealed by their failure to select the more inclusive
solution, even though their performance greatly improved
through the use of these solutions. The influence of
similarity on the selection of solutions and inclusiveness
on the effective use of solutions occurred when the
effective solutions had the same story context (Experiment
1) and when the effective solutions had a different story
context (Experiment 2).
algebra class select potentially useful solutions for
solving algebra word problems. Several variables, including
similarity, complexity, and inclusiveness were assessed to
determine how they influence subjects' selections. Results
indicated that neither complexity nor inclusiveness had a
significant impact on students' selections and that students
select solutions primarily on the basis of similarity.
Students' inability to select potentially useful solutions
was revealed by their failure to select the more inclusive
solution, even though their performance greatly improved
through the use of these solutions. The influence of
similarity on the selection of solutions and inclusiveness
on the effective use of solutions occurred when the
effective solutions had the same story context (Experiment
1) and when the effective solutions had a different story
context (Experiment 2).
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