Abstract:
This presentation will discuss some findings from a study designed to investigate the processes young children use in solving problems for which they lack adequate knowledge of the task domain, but which they can solve by applying strategic processes. The study also sought to develop a theoretical model of the nature and acquisition of different knowledge states applied in problem solving, with particular emphasis on the interactions between these states and their effect on performance. From results of data analyses, it is proposed that performance is dependent on the application of both strategic and specific knowledge components, and that children with inadequate specific knowledge can achieve success through effective application of strategic knowledge.