ABSTRACT
A novel task of mental search provides a novel approach to response time analysis and problem solving in this chapter by Jim Shanteau. Serial exhaustive search is imposed experimentally by having subjects memorize an ordered list (e.g., four-letter food words). They are then given a question that requires processing of each successive word in the list. Multiple questions are possible, all with the same answers, but which involve different decision processes (e.g., Which words have exactly two vowels? Which words have exactly two consonants?). A single list is thus the basis for a Question × Answer design.
