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Analysis of problem solving strategies on the Kohs block design test

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Abstract

The present study investigated the strategies involved in the Kohs Block Design task from a cognitive point of view. One purpose was to improve the classical distinction between syncretic and analytic strategies. An other goal was to determine whether subjects show the same strategies according to their field dependence level. Finally, we analysed the way the subjects described their own strategies in order to assess their metacognitive skills.

The subjects (17 year-old pupils) were first given a field dependence proof (G.E.F.T.), then the Kohs Block Design task and finally were interviewed about their strategies. Each pupil was tested individually and videotaped. The strategies were drawn by four indicators.

The results indicated three strategies: syncretic, analytic and synthetic strategies. The degree of field dependence clearly distinguished the strategies in the Block Design task: more independent the subject is, more he used a synthetic strategy. Finally, the subjects’ verbalizations were more closely connected with their behaviours. In a general way, the subjects appeared to be steady in the use of a particular strategy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Recherches, I.N.E.T.O.P., 41 rue Gay Lussac, 75005, Paris, France

    Paulette Rozencwajg

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  1. Paulette Rozencwajg
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Additional information

This study was supported by I.N.E.T.O.P. (C.N.A.M.), E.P.H.E. 3rd section, University René Descartes, and C.N.R.S.

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Rozencwajg, P. Analysis of problem solving strategies on the Kohs block design test. Eur J Psychol Educ 6, 73–88 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173149

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173149

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