A taxonomy of mathematical problem solving behaviours

Abstract

The taxonomy described in this paper was developed from a research that had its major objective the investigation of the process of mathematical problem solving in terms of definable behaviours. The taxonomy was developed for use as an instrument to classify and encode behaviours in their sequence of observed occurrence during the process of mathematical problem solving. It formed the basis of a behavioural analysis framework formulated in the research to examine the problem solving protocols of individuals for comprehensive information about the problem solving process itself, the individual differences in the behaviours of subjects and the strategies applied by each in dealing with the different tasks used in the study.