Formal operational thought and mathematics problems solving

In the framework of die study of mathematics reasoning processes, a research is presented in order to analyze relationships among cognitive skills reached during the formal operational stage, and mathematics problems solving. 78 buys and girls, aged 16, were assessed with the Logical Thinking Test (TOLT), and with a Mathematics Problems Solving Test. Results in mathematics were compared in function of formal operational thought level achieved. Data suggest that students with a higher level of formal operational thought were those that better solved the mathematics problems. However, just 36% of these were able to solve problems where the proportionality squemes were required. Results suggest that reaching die level of formal reasoning is not enough to apply it in specific mathematics problems. It is also necessary to acquire specific knowledge to carry out a correct mathematics problem solving.