Module 3: Proportional Reasoning

Authors

Francis P. Collea, California State University, Fullerton
Robert FullerFollow
Robert Karplus, University of California, Berkeley
Lester G. Paldy, SUNY, Stony Brook
John W. Renner, University of Oklahoma

Date of this Version

1975

Document Type

Article

Comments

Copyright © 1975 American Association of Physics Teachers. Used by permission.

Abstract

In Piaget' s theory, concrete operational thought is characterized by serial ordering , simple classification, and conservation logic applied directly to objects. A concrete thinker doing a Piagetian task must be able to observe objects and/or manipulate them. Formal operational thought involves proportional reasoning , separation of variables, elimination of contradictions, and class inclusion or exclusion operations. A formal thinker is able to work in situations where he does nor deal with tangible objects. The formal thinker can apply the operations used by a concrete thinker, but goes beyond these operations when solving problems.