The relationship between Piagetian logical operations level and achievement in intermediate science curriculum study

This study was concerned with logical operations which occur in the concrete and formal operational stages as described by Swiss epistemologist Jean Piaget. The relationship between Piagetian logical operation levels and achievement in ISCS was found to be significant. Student logical operation levels were determined using a paper and pencil test.

Ninth grade students in the Wichita public schools were tested for logical operation levels, ISCS achievement, and their fifth and sixth grade science background was examined. Fifth and sixth grade background was not found to be a significant factor in logical level or IScs achievement. The students who scored higher on the logical operations test were significantly more successful on the IScS achievement test. Less than one-fourth of the students tested were formal operational.

The study indicated that science curricula should be designed to help elementary students begin to think more logically. Also, junior high students at different logical levels should have curricula suited to their needs.