ABSTRACT
Studies of reasoning in two diverse age groups suggest that successful problem-solving depends primarily on the ability to combine the essentials of isolated experiences to generate an inference. This ability enables an individual to evaluate past hypotheses and generate new ones in view of information received during learning. Medical diagnosis is selected as an example of adult problem-solving and examined using an inferential model of reasoning. Suggestions for improving performance through manipulation of internal covert cues, or mediators, are discussed.
