Results and Discussion
In relation to the responses to the tasks in the present study, we have suggested that
students who have no more than one error in the comparison test (Task 1), are possibly
“apparent experts” or “task experts” as defined by Stacey and Steinle (1998, 1999). As the
set of decimal pairs was not the same as those used by Stacey and Steinle, this assumption
may be incorrect for some students. The status of apparent expert has been identified by
patterns of behaviours on a pencil and paper test; that is by the number of correct answers.
Ways of thinking may be inferred from the explanations given in response to their
particular selection or behaviour.