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Proportional reasoning: A review of the literature

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Abstract

This paper presents a review of the research on proportional reasoning. Methodologies used in proportional reasoning studies are presented first. The discussion is then organized around the following topics: strategies use to solve proportion problems, including erroneous strategies; factors that influence performance on proportion problems, both task-related and subject-related; training studies. The discussion is accompanied by suggestions for educational and research applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Group in Science and Mathematics Education, Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Francoise Tourniaire & Steven Pulos

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  1. Francoise Tourniaire
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  2. Steven Pulos
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This paper was supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. SED 79-18962. Any opinions, findings and conclusions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The authors would like to express their appreciation to Elizabeth K. Stage and Joan Heller for comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

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Tourniaire, F., Pulos, S. Proportional reasoning: A review of the literature. Educ Stud Math 16, 181–204 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00020739

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