ABSTRACT
Problem-solving involves attempting to attain a goal without immediately knowing how to do so (if you already knew how to attain it you would not have a problem). One, therefore, has recourse to thinking. Thinking here refers to searching through a mental representation of a problem known as a problem space. The difficulties in problem-solving include having relevant knowledge, forming a relevant and adequate representation, and overloading WM due to our ‘bounded rationality’, constraints either self-imposed or imposed by the problem. Various problem types are discussed including analogical problem solving that can result in the induction of a problem category or schema, leading in turn to the development of expertise in a particular field. For some problem types convergent thinking leads to a single answer or an answer that can be reached algorithmically. Creative problem solving often involves divergent thinking using either a range of solution options or possible solutions which may comprise an insight or ‘Aha!’ experience.
