The interview-about-instances technique was used to investigate the conceptual frameworks that 17 Form Four Southeast Asian students held about forces acting on an object at rest or in motion. Results show a number of alternate frameworks which are similar to those found in research conducted in western countries. (Author/JN)

To obtain reliable and valid measures of cognitive development in group settings, the Test of Logical Thinking, a paper-and pencil test of formal reasoning ability, was developed. It was administered to high school stuents, and alternate forms were then devised. Applications are discussed. (MNS)

Attitudes toward science of 654 pupils aged 14-15 were assessed, and relationships between attitude and locality, achievement, and sex studied. Achievement was mildly correlated with attitude, but locality and sex had no influence. Other findings are also discussed. (MNS)

A group test of formal thinking was administered to all grade 11 entrants in National High Schools in Papua New Guinea, and readministered two years later. Only 8 percent operated formally on the initial test; two years later, 18 percent were operating formally and 37 percent were at a transition stage. (MNS)

This study sought to obtain insight into the pattern of relationships between students' achievement in science and study behavior variables. Surveyed were 17-year-olds in the science stream of two secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Sex differences were found. (MNS)

Twenty-nine students in grades four, six, and eight were asked to find solutions to fraction equivalence problems and to verify their solutions using discrete material. Discontinuities were observed between strategies students used for producing solutions and supporting knowledge grounded in physical reality. (Author/MNS)

Three different models with continuous materials, discontinuous materials, and number lines were used to study the operation concept in six investigations on multiplication with fractions with pupils aged 11-12 in a Penang International School. All approaches could be understood by pupils, but they preferred the area and fractional models. (MNS)

This study investigated the effects of specific criteria for marking a test on its reliability and validity. Eight algebra word problems were administered to grade 10 students. The objectivity of scoring criteria improved the reliability of the test, but did not affect its validity. (MNS)

The study investigated the extent of process skill achievement among a sample of recent Malaysian high school graduates, and the relationship of these scores to science scores. Among the conclusions is that the science tests placed little emphasis on the assessment of process skills. (MNS)

Reported is a series of curriculum research studies carried out in Papua New Guinea between 1972 and 1980 into the effects of formal schooling, with compulsory component of science instruction on attitudes toward investigation, control, and manipulation of natural phenomena and toward traditional religion. (MNS)

Relationships between student affective and cognitive learning outcomes and their perceptions of classroom environment (using Classroom Environment Scale) were investigated for 1,083 Australian (Tasmania) students in 116 grade 8 and 9 classrooms. Results suggest that emphasizing classroom order and organization is likely to have positive influence…

Determined degree to which Malaysian biology teachers (N=26) perceived they understood and used inquiry teaching. Data indicated that these teachers perceived they had a moderate amount of knowledge about inquiry and occasionally used the 21 inquiry-related behaviors assessed by "A Generic Problem Solving (Inquiry) Model" (Hungerford,…

Investigated relationship of teachers' cognitive levels and cognitive level demand of textbooks in relation to students capability to learn biology. Based on findings, teaching units were designed to help science teachers acquire skills, use innovative formats of instruction for abstract topics, and develop logical thinking skills through biology…

Reports 1978/1979 survey results which determined degree of importance Malaysian schools (n=90) and science teachers placed on laboratory safety. Results of 40-item questionnaire (included in an appendix) focusing on laboratory rules, safety precautions, equipment storage, and teacher attitudes, indicate high concern for safety, continuing…

Summarizes four stages in the development of causality obtained from interviews with Filipino children (N=1,228), reporting how they responded to questions and effect of grade/age levels on their characteristic responses. Includes a fifth stage, a logical analysis of what would be required of an adolescent trying to understand the sciences.…