Adaptive Reasoning Profile of Students in Solving Mathematical Problems Viewed from Field-dependent and Field-independent Cognitive Style

摘要

Adaptive reasoning is a logical process of thinking to provide a solution to the mathematical problem. Every student has different characteristics in processing information (cognitive style). The differences in cognitive style could affect students' ability to understand the problems. This study purposed to describe students' adaptive reasoning in solving mathematical problems in terms of cognitive style in field-dependent and field-independent. This research used a qualitative descriptive method. The subjects in this study consisted of four students with the provisions that two students were field-dependent cognitive style and two students were field-independent cognitive style from class VIII-I of SMPN 1 Menganti. The data collected by task-based interviews. The results of the problem solving task data and interviews were presented and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results of this study concluded students who have a dependent field cognitive style less able but students who have an independent field cognitive style are already able in the following matters, namely: making adaptive reasoning and making logical guesses examining argument, finding patterns them generalizing making a conclusion.