Problem-Solving and Reasoning, Slides of Clinical Psychology

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Problem-Solving and Reasoning

November 6, 2008

The Problem with problem-solving research

“In field research, there is often too much

[complexity] to allow for definitive

conclusions, and in laboratory research,

there is usually too little complexity to

allow for any interesting conclusions”

Brehmer & Dörner (1993)

Computers in Human Behavior, 9, 171-

Problem Examples

• Water jug problem

• Two-string problem

• Nine-dot problem

• Candle Box problem

• Missionaries and cannibals

• Tower of Hanoi

You have three containers, one holding 8 quarts, one holding 5 quarts, and one holding 3 quarts. Starting with the 8-quart container full of water, and using no other measuring devices, give me back two containers each containing 4 quarts of water.

Candle Box Problem (Duncker, 1945)

Gestalt Viewpoint

• Problem-solving is both reproductive and

productive

• Reproductive PS involves re-use of previous

experience (can be beneficial or detrimental)

• Productive problem-solving is characterized

by restructuring and insight

• Insight accompanied by subjective “ah-ha”

experience

Gestalt Contributions

• Perception more than just association –

it involves conceptualization

• Functional Fixedness can hinder

problem-solving (candle box problem)

• Problem restructuring: productive

• Development of insight

• Implication: importance of problem

representation

Information-Processing Approach

to Problem-Solving

• Problem-Space Theory
  • solving a problem involves negotiating alternative paths to a solution
  • initial state is linked to goal state by a path
  • knowledge states are produced by the application of mental operators
  • algorithms vs. heuristics are used to move along the path
  • limited processing resources provide constraints on the degree to which multiple moves can be considered

Neurobiology of Insight

Bowden, et al. (2005). Trends in Cog Sci

Problem Isomorphs

• Similar formal structure of two

problems

• Reasoning by analogy

• Similarities often very difficult to detect

if the problems do not have identical

structure (an impediment to

generalization)

• Military vs. radiation problem

Duncker Radiation Problem

Information-Processing Approach

to Problem-Solving

• Problem-Space Theory
  • solving a problem involves negotiating alternative paths to a solution
  • initial state is linked to goal state by a path
  • knowledge states are produced by the application of mental operators
  • algorithms vs. heuristics are used to move along the path
  • limited processing resources provide constraints on the degree to which multiple moves can be considered