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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Heuristic and algorithmic processing in English, mathematics, and science education.
Matthew J Sharps1, Adam B Hess, Jana L Price-Sharps
1Department of Psychology, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740-8019, USA. matthew_sharps@csufresno.edu
The Journal of Psychology
|March 21, 2008
Summary
College students
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- Many college students struggle with foundational academic skills.
- Recent research points to heuristic competency as a potential underlying factor.
- Heuristic competency involves effectively using general cognitive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of heuristic competency in academic performance among college students.
- To compare heuristic and algorithmic cognitive strategies across different academic domains.
- To determine the relationship between specific cognitive skills and performance in science, mathematics, and reading comprehension.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed a practice California Basic Educational Skills Test.
- Performance was assessed on natural science questions, mathematics exercises, and reading comprehension exercises.
- Heuristic and algorithmic cognitive approaches were evaluated in relation to these tasks.
Main Results:
- Strong association found between heuristic competency in mathematics and higher scores in both science and mathematics.
- Verbal and algorithmic skills were linked to improved performance in reading comprehension.
- Evidence suggests cognitive skills may be domain-specific in higher education.
Conclusions:
- Heuristic training should be integrated into educational programs to enhance student success.
- A domain-specific approach to cognitive skills is crucial for understanding and addressing challenges in higher education.
- Targeted interventions focusing on heuristic and algorithmic strategies can improve academic outcomes.
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