Forms of representation and process types in problem solving

Abstract

What are the phenomena to be studied in investigations of processes in problem solving? In what way is it possible to determine whether or not different results of problem‐solving activity, conceived as a series of decisions made by the subject, indicate different forms of a subject's representations of the solution of the problem? Such problems are discussed in two steps: 1) by implementation of a system of four levels of description in the analysis of three solution runs of a task with a formal‐logical structure, and 2) through discussion of investigations of a similar kind in respect to aims and task situation. It is demonstrated that similarities and differences between solutions depend entirely on the level of description at which the performances are summarized. And it is argued that the analysis of the solution performance, with the resultant assertions about the existence and character of cognitive processes, requires the four levels of description. Difficulties in interpreting such assertions in other investigations because the processes seem to be either task‐specific or very general are explained as a consequence of an inadequate explication of the different levels of description.