Originally published in 1985, Problem Solving and Intelligence was the result of the author’s efforts to understand the nature of human intelligence and the differences in the cognitive functioning of individuals which we observe again and again.
The book contains two types of material. First it presents an overview of major contributions to the conceptualization and investigation of problem solving and intelligence, which was derived from the extensive, largely non-cumulative literature at the time. Second it reports a comprehensive, empirical study of the manifestation of intelligence in problem solving.
The subject matter was at the interface of three traditional areas of psychological inquiry: namely, the study of cognitive processes, individual differences, and the characteristics of the stimulus. What was innovative is that intellectual performance is investigated in relation to the simultaneous operation of variables from these dimensions.
The book was intended, primarily, as a contribution to the understanding and investigation of the nature of intelligent behavior, as well as an introduction to intelligence and problem solving. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.
Preface. Part I: Frame of Reference 1. Preliminary Considerations 2. The Conceptualization and Measurement of Intelligence 3. Theoretical Frameworks of Problem Solving Research 4. The Implications of Previous Research and the Empirical Study Part II: Methods and Organization of the Study 5. The Tasks and the Sample 6. The "Thinking Aloud" Methodology 7. The Development of a Classification System of Problem Solving Strategies 8. Definition of Terms and General Procedure of Data Collection and Analysis Part III: Presentation of Results and Discussion of Findings 9. Global Observations Relating to the Outcome of Problem Solving Performance 10. Structural Components of the Problem Solving Process 11. The Utility of the Strategy Variables in the Identification of Individual and Group Differences 12. Contingencies and Interdependencies of Sequential Problem Solving Behaviors Part IV: Conclusions 13. Conclusions and Implications. References. Appendixes. Author Index. Subject Index.
Biography
Helga A. H. Rowe
