Notes from Procedural Knowledge and Problem Solving

Some quick notes from the Procedural Knowledge and Problem Solving chapter:

-Problem solving can be conceived of as a search of a problem space [emphasis mine]. The problem space consists of physical states or knowledge states that are achievable by the problem solver. The problem-solving task involves finding a sequence of operators to transform the initial state into a goal state.

-People often use general problem solving methods for deciding what sequence of operators to use in solving a problem. These methods are called heuristics [emphasis his] when they often lead to a problem solution but are not guaranteed to succeed.

-Problem solving by analogy involves using the structure of the solution to one problem to guide the solution to another problem.

-The knowledge underlying problem solving can be formalized as a set of productions that specify actions that will achieve goals under particular conditions.

-The key to solving problems in many cases is to represent them in a way that the needed operators can apply. Functional fixedness is the failure to solve a problem because the person fails to represent an object as having a novel function so that it can be used for solving a problem.

-The amount and type of knowledge available for solving a problem will vary with a person's problem solving experience. Increasing the availability of relevant knowledge can facilitate problem solving; conversely, increasing the availability of irrelevant knowledge can inhibit problem solving. Effects of knowledge availability on problem solving are referred to as set effects.

This all from Cognitive Psychology and its Implications. John R. Anderson. New York: Freeman, 1985.