The Karplus Islands puzzle, volume with metal cylinders, and other problems

Abstract

A question has been raised (Blake, Lawson, & Nordland, 1976) as to the appropriateness of using the Karplus Islands Puzzle as an instrument to assess formal-operational thought. Such questions need to be asked about many of the socalled "tasks" currently found in the literature.The Karplus Islands Puzzle Clue 3 is then presented and Question 2 is asked (i.e., "Is it possible to travel between Fish and Bird?").Given both p and 4 as true, the subject must now determine the value of s in addition to recognizing that the value of s is independent of the value of r (i.e., s[r]). In effect, the operation of implication is employed again in the form ( p 4) 3 s.Finally, Question 3 is asked (i.e., "Is it possible to travel between Fish and Snail?"), and the subject must determine the value of t based on p . 4, and i, or (p ' 4 + 7) 3 t, F, or neither. This implication is a beginning, but the correct solution is most often derived from the reciprocal operation (i.e., converse implication) by employing the following sequence: if t were true than p , 4, and r must be true, or t 3 (pa 4. r). But r is given as not-r @); therefore, t cannot be true, or (p . 4. P) 3 7.Additional operations may be employed. For example, some individuals recognize a form of equivalence (i.e., r and t must share the same value, either F and T, or r and t). The 361 3).

Comments and criticism: Comments on DeLuca's electronic measurement of logical thinking

“…3. The question concerning the use of parametric statistics as opposed to nonparametric statistics in analyzing Piagetian task scores has been answered rather succinctly by Lawson in his reply to Phillips (1977). The question, however, remains controversial.…”