Children's analogical problem solving: the effects of superficial, structural, and procedural similarity
1University of Kentucky, USA.
Abstract:
Two experiments with children between 5 and 8 years of age were designed to determine the effects of different types of similarity on analogical problem solving and to explore the cognitive components responsible for these effects. Three dimensions of similarity shared by the source and target problems were manipulated, and children's problem-solving performance was assessed with multiple measures. The results indicate that superficial and structural similarity facilitated the process of drawing analogies. More importantly, the present research demonstrated that procedural similarity influenced the process of applying analogues. The results also indicate that children as young as 5 and 6 years of age are capable of detecting and utilizing similarities in superficial features, structural relations, and procedural operations. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Structuralism
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Modeling and Similitude
Problem-Solving
Piaget's Stage 2 of Cognitive Development
Causes of Similarity-Dissimilarity Effect


