Estimating the Quotient in Division: A Critical Analysis of Research
There are several reasons why the process of division in arithmetic is more difficult to learn than the other processes. One of these reasons stems from the fact that division is not a direct process. It is an inverse process in which it is frequently necessary to estimate in finding the quotient. In the past, two methods of estimating the quotient have been in common use. One of these is generally called the “apparent quotient” method and the other is called the “increase-byone” method. There has been considerable research directed toward determining whieh of these methods is to be preferred for instructional purposes. The present article is not only a summary and critique of this research but also includes numerous comments upon aspects of the issue which have hitherto been largely neglected.