The Process of Cognitive Structure Complexification. Research Report No. 49.

Analyzed is the Piagetian concept of cognitive structure (concerning an individual's thought organization) and noted is the lack of precise psychological definition. Reviewed are deficiencies in Piaget's theories relating to developmental stages of the cognitive structure. Elements of the cognitive structure are defined; five basic assumptions are set forth (including the existence of unique and indeterminate cognitive structures for all living animals); and the definitions and assumptions are mathematically represented. Discussed are the relationships between cognitive structure and intelligence and advocated is the substitution of a cognitive structure index for the standard IQ measure. The relationship between cognitive structure and learning is said to be demonstrated by the need for a teacher to match the instructional material's structural complexity to the complexity level of the learner's cognitive structure. (CL)