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SAGE Journal User Guide

Strough, J., Cheng, S., & Swenson, L.M. (2002). Preferences for collaborative and individual everyday problem solving in later adulthood. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 26, 26-35.

1. Discuss the pros and cons of solving everyday problems either alone or in groups.
2. In their article, the authors suggest that older adults attempt to “adjust their problem solving to best fit the resources available to them.” How does this reflect the idea of metacognition?
3. What evidence did the authors find regarding the role of domain-specific knowledge in older adults approaches to problem solving?

Lefebvre-Pinard, M. (1983). Understanding and auto-control of cognitive functions: Implications for the relationship between cognition and behavior. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 6, 15-35.

1. Some individuals will talk to themselves while engaged in problem solving. What are the benefits of this self-talk in terms of problem solving efficiency?
2. How does the problem solving process differ for children compared to adults?
3. The author views metacognition as an ability that varies among individuals with some being high in private self-consciousness and others being low. Do you think it is possible to increase an individual’s level of self-consciousness in a given problem solving situation?

Norris, S. P. (1989). Can we test validly for critical thinking? Educational Researcher, 18, 21-26.

1. How does the idea of critical thinking relate to metacognition?
2. What does the author mean by the term, “psychological generalizability?”
3. Do you think it is possible to develop a valid test that assesses critical thinking? What are some of the pros and cons of such a test?