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Cognitive development of any concept is related with affective development. The present study investigates students' beliefs about the use of different types of representation in understanding the concept of fractions and their self-efficacy beliefs about their ability to transfer information between different types of representation, in relation to their performance on understanding the concept. Data were collected from 1701 students in Grade Five to Grade Eight. Results revealed that multiple-representation flexibility, ability on solving problems with various modes of representation, beliefs about the use of representations and self-efficacy beliefs about using them constructed an integrated model with strong interrelations in the different educational levels. Confirmatory factor analysis affirmed the existence of differential effects of multiple-representation flexibility and problemsolving ability in respect to cognitive performance and the existence of general beliefs and self-efficacy beliefs about the use and the role of representations. Results suggested the invariance of this structure across primary (Grades Five and Six) and secondary education (Grades Seven and Eight). However, there are interesting differences concerning the interrelations among those cognitive and affective factors between primary and secondary education.

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The present study is focused on the cognitive level of Mathematical Working Space (MWS) and the component of the epistemological level related to semiotic representations in fraction addition. A test measuring students’ conversion and problem - solving ability in fraction addition was developed and administered to 388 primary and secondary school students (about 11-14 years old) three times. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for repeated measures and implicative method revealed that the students’ performance improved as they move within primary school and within secondary school. A hiatus in performance progress is indicated, though, when the students moved from primary to secondary school. This finding is in line with a compartmentalized way of thinking indicated for this age group. Didactical implications are discussed.