Complex Problem Solving : The European Perspective

Peter A. Frensch

ISBN 10: 0805813365 / ISBN 13: 9780805813364

Published by Taylor & Francis Inc Mai 1995, 1995

About this Item

Neuware - This volume presents a review of recent European research on complex problem solving (CPS), from Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain and Germany. European scholars have been primarily concerned with problem solving behaviour in artificially generated, mostly computerized, complex systems.

Seller Inventory # 9780805813364

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Complex Problem Solving : The European Perspective
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc Mai 1995
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805813365
• ISBN 13: 9780805813364
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 229W x 152H x 0D millimeters 229 millimeters width by 152 millimeters height by 0 millimeters depth
• Weight: 830 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This volume presents a state-of-the-science review of the most promising current European research -- and its historic roots of research -- on complex problem solving (CPS) in Europe. It is an attempt to close the knowledge gap among American scholars regarding the European approach to understanding CPS. Although most of the American researchers are well aware of the fact that CPS has been a very active research area in Europe for quite some time, they do not know any specifics about even the most important research. Part of the reason for this lack of knowledge is undoubtedly the fact that European researchers -- for the most part -- have been rather reluctant to publish their work in English-language journals.

The book concentrates on European research because the basic approach European scholars have taken to studying CPS is very different from one taken by North American researchers. Traditionally, American scholars have been studying CPS in "natural" domains -- physics, reading, writing, and chess playing -- concentrating primarily on exploring novice-expert differences and the acquisition of a complex skill. European scholars, in contrast, have been primarily concerned with problem solving behavior in artificially generated, mostly computerized, complex systems. While the American approach has the advantage of high external validity, the European approach has the advantage of system variables that can be systematically manipulated to reveal the effects of system parameters on CPS behavior. The two approaches are thus best viewed as complementing each other.

This volume contains contributions from four European countries -- Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Germany. As such, it accurately represents the bulk of empirical research on CPS which has been conducted in Europe. An international cooperation started two years ago with the goal of bringing the European research on complex problem solving to the awareness of American scholars. A direct result of that effort, the contributions to this book are both informative and comprehensive.

About the Author

Peter A. Frensch, Joachim Funke