Which One of the Following Alternatives Best Characterizes a Central

question 44

Multiple Choice

Which one of the following alternatives best characterizes a central conceptual structure view of children's mathematical development?

• A) Children don't acquire a true understanding of the nature of numbers until they learn how to add and subtract.
• B) Even in infancy, children's understanding of quantity has a somewhat abstract quality to it.
• C) Children acquire a multidimensional understanding of numbers that integrates earlier, separate understandings of quantity, numerals, and counting.
• D) Children have a biologically built-in mechanism that enables them to recognize quantity even in infancy; at around puberty, the rise in certain hormones activates new mathematical capabilities in this mechanism.

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Definitions:

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation or experimentation.

Independent Variable

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated or changed to observe its effects on a dependent variable.

Nomothetic

An approach in psychology that seeks to understand the general laws that govern behavior, by studying large groups of individuals.

Idiosyncratic

Pertaining to peculiar or individual characteristics or behaviors that distinguish someone or something from others.