Explaining the acquisition of a complex skill: methodological and theoretical considerations uncovered in the study of simple addition and the moving-on process
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
Faculty
Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences
School
School of Education
RAS ID
1080
Abstract
Research into the development of mathematical cognition has accelerated in recent times. In this literature review, findings from different approaches to studying simple addition performance are reviewed. A review of findings from studies incorporating observation, self-report or both revealed the complex process of change associated with developing retrieval strategies for simple addition. These findings are synthesized using a model of change labelled the Moving-On Process to represent the wave-like transitional pattern of strategy use preceding retrieval. A review of findings from studies based on the analysis of reaction times revealed a robust finding known as “the problem-size effect.” Different explanations of the problem-size effect, incorporating different theoretical accounts of the nature of retrieval, exact answers, and strategy choice, are compared and contrasted. A review of findings based on a combination of both approaches uncovered important methodological considerations associated with analyzing reaction times and offers direction for future research aimed at unravelling the convoluted construct of automaticity.
DOI
10.1023/A:1014629604663
Comments
Hopkins, S. L., & Lawson, M. J. (2002). Explaining the acquisition of a complex skill: Methodological and theoretical considerations uncovered in the study of simple addition and the moving-on process. Educational Psychology Review, 14(2), 121-154. Available here.