1st Edition

Toward a Unified Theory of Problem Solving Views From the Content Domains

Edited By Mike U. Smith Copyright 1991
    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    One of the most active fields of educational research in recent years has been the investigation of problem-solving performance. Two opposing views of current research -- one suggesting that there are more differences than similarities within different domains, and the other stating that there is great similarity -- lead to a variety of questions:

    * Is problem solving a single construct?

    * Are there aspects of problem-solving performance that are similar across a variety of content domains?

    * What problem-solving skills learned within one context can be expected to transfer to other domains?

    The purpose of this book is to serve as the basis for the productive exchange of information that will help to answer these questions -- by drawing together preliminary theoretical understandings, sparking debate and disagreement, raising new questions and directions, and perhaps developing new world views.

    Contents: M.U. Smith, A View From Biology. G.M. Bodner, A View From Chemistry. G.J. Groen, V.L. Patel, A View From Medicine. D.N. Perkins, S. Schwartz, R. Simmons, A View From Programming. J.G. Greeno, A View of Mathematical Problem Solving in School. K. Schultz, J. Lochhead, A View From Physics. R.S. Perez, A View From Trouble-Shooting.

    Biography

    Mike U. Smith

    "All of the chapters are well written and organized. I found them interesting and often thought-provoking."
    Contemporary Psychology

    "...has many valuable observations throughout and the variety of content domains represented provides a useful overview for most readers....the authors are to be commended for their effort toward synthesis."
    Medical Decision Making