Abstract
[Pascual-Leone’s Theory of Constructive Operators: A Critical Review]
Pascual-Leone’s Theory of Constructive Operators is critically reviewed. The theory is presented as a synthesis of Piagetian and information processing elements as well as elements from the domain of cognitive style (Witkin’s fieldindependance). This combination allows for an explanation of global developmental levels in intelligence on the one hand and specific intelligent behavior as an interaction between task- and subject characteristics on the other hand. Pascual-Leone’s prototypical design, which contains aspects of the genetic, experimental and differential methods, is presented with a focus on applications in cognitive developmental research. Finally, advantages and drawbacks of the theory are considered, with particular attention to the problematic hypothesis of a growing mental capacity and the questionable objectivity of metasubjective task analysis.