Differences in EEG Activity During the Solution of Closed and Open Problems

Abstract

This study investigated differences in the cognitive processes involved in solving well- and ill-defined problems. In Experiment 1, 26 students solved 1 well-defined and 3 ill-defined problems while their electroencephalography was recorded. During the solution of the 4 problem types, the respondents displayed no significant differences in alpha power. The differences in the activation of both hemispheres were also not significant. In Experiment 2, 1 ill-defined and 1 well-defined problem were used to isolate several sub-processes. The main division was between processes that precede the solution and serve in its planning, and processes that are directly involved in the solution. Twenty-five students displayed lower alpha power while reading the ill-defined problem and planning its solution than during the preparation phase of the well-defined problem. A reverse pattern of alpha power was obtained for processes that were directly involved in the solution of both problem types. Results supported the hypothesis that different cognitive processes are involved in the solution of well-and ill-defined problems.