A provisional model of mathematical problem solving

Abstract

The current paper introduces a provisional model designed to describe the cognitive processes involved in solving algebraic and more complex mathematical problems. The model contains three major components: (1) the problem task environment, (2) long-term memory, and (3) working memory. Each of the major components consists of major processes and subpro-esses that are described. Questions about the specificity of models are raised in the discussion. © 1984, The psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.