Problem Solving

S. Ian Robertson

ISBN 10: 0415203007 / ISBN 13: 9780415203005

Published by Psychology Press, 2001

About this Item

Leichte Kratzer / Abnutzungen / Druckstellen; Abnutzung / Risse - leicht. Problem solving is a crucial aspect of daily life, yet it is often overlooked in literature. This comprehensive textbook explores the psychological processes behind goal-directed problem solving, analyzing how we learn from problem-solving experiences and the challenges of transferring that learning to new situations. It begins by discussing methods for tackling unfamiliar problems and progresses to the psychological processes involved in novice problem solving, ultimately contrasting them with those of skilled problem solvers or "experts." Key topics include generating effective representations of problems, general strategies for unfamiliar situations, the processes behind insight and lateral thinking, the significance of problem similarity and analogies, and the role of textbooks in learning. Additionally, it addresses how expertise is developed through specific problem-solving skills. Clear and accessible, this work is valuable for undergraduates and postgraduates in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and educational psychology. Its emphasis on the practical transfer of learning through problem solving also makes it relevant to educationalists and business psychologists.

Seller Inventory # 1e94e56a-927c-42a8-a379-930993d56d86

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Problem Solving
• Publisher: Psychology Press
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415203007
• ISBN 13: 9780415203005
• Binding: Softcover
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Psychology

About this title

Synopsis

Problem solving is an integral part of everyday life yet few books are dedicated to this important aspect of human cognition. In each case, the problem, such as solving a crossword or writing an essay, has a goal. In this comprehensive and timely textbook, the author discusses the psychological processes underlying such goal-directed problem solving, and examines both how we learn from experience of problem solving and how our learning transfers (or often fails to transfer) from one situation to another. Following initial coverage of the methods we use to solve unfamiliar problems, the book goes on to examine the psychological processes involved in novice problem solving before progressing to the methods and processes used by skilled problem solvers or "experts". Topics covered include: how we generate a useful representation of a problem as a starting point; general problem solving strategies we use in unfamiliar situations; possible processes involved in insight or lateral thinking; the nature of problem similarity and the role of analogies in problem solving; understanding and learning from textbooks; and how we develop expertise through the learning of specific problem solving skills.
Clear, up-to-date and accessible, Problem Solving will be of interest to undergraduates and postgraduates in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and educational psychology. The focus on the practical transfer of learning through problem solving will also make it of relevance to educationalists and business psychologists.

Review

..this text is very well written.it explains the main ideas in the literature very clearly.it is accurate and up-to-date throughout.I would recommend it to my own students.
–Stephen Payne, University of Cardiff

The coverage of the book is very impressive.Every attempt is made to synthesize complex theories into a single body of work without oversimplification....
–Thom Baguley, Loughborough University