Abstract
The effect of set on the acquisition of conservation was investigated in 2 studies. In the first, kindergarten children who could respond to addition/ substraction (A/S) changes but lacking conservation were divided into 3 groups: addition/substraction-set training, perceptual-set training, and a notraining control group. The effect of these training conditions was measured on conflict trials, where changes in length opposed changes in number, and on subsequent conservation tests. Most of the subjects who received the A/Sset training responded to the A/S manipulation during the conflict trials, and a majority subsequently showed some conservation. The subjects in the other groups generally responded to the length alteration during both conflict and conservation trials. In the second study, the effect of A/S training with and without subsequent conflict trials was measured on conservation tests. Only a slight, nonsignificant difference in favor of the group receiving the conflict trials was noted. These results cast doubt on conflict-resolution interpretations of the acquisition of conservation, such as Smedslund's.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
