Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1
Gilbert Greefrath, Emilia Bommert, Katharina Kirsten
University of Münster
⬇ Download PDFFunctional thinking is considered a fundamental prerequisite for understanding key mathematical concepts. This study examines the structure of functional thinking based on the facets of input-output assignment, covariation and objects. To this end, an economic testing instrument was developed and evaluated with N = 153 Year 11 students. Confirmatory factor analyses confirm that the theoretically postulated three-dimensional model represents the data significantly better than a one-dimensional model. The instrument enables a differentiated diagnosis of individual thinking patterns at the transition to upper secondary school and provides a valid basis for research and practice in mathematics education.
functional thinkingtest instrumentthree-dimensional model