Critical Review of Studies in the Field of Mathematical Word Problems

One way for empowering students to apply mathematics in solving daily life problems is applying word problem in the process of math education. Due to the importance of this issue, many Iranian research has been conducted within the recent decade. The purpose of the present study is critical review of research done in this field. In doing so, major relevant Iranian data bases were reviewed and searched and 136 studies were recognized. Taking in to account the criteria for entering and leaving studies, 19 studies in the field of word problem were selected. In the next step research methodology of the selected studies were critically reviewed. The finding indicated that a large number of the conducted research used quantitative approach. Most of the research dealt with student’s challenges in solving problems. Some of the research involved teaching methods. A number of research discussed the role of cognitive –metacognitive-emotional factors such as cognitive styles, metacognitive believes as well as neurological factors including cognitive and cognitive loop, central executive function, working memory, and psycho-linguistic abilities in word problem. In reviewing research methodology of these research, important threatening factor was the validity of the research in both approaches.