Complex problem solving: The European perspective

Description

Both North American and European approaches to complex problem solving (CPS) have in common an emphasis on relatively complex, semantically rich, computerized laboratory tasks that are constructed to be similar to real-life problems. The approaches differ somewhat in their theoretical goals and methodology, however. North American research on CPS has typically concentrated on examining the development of expertise in separate, natural knowledge domains. Most of the European research, in contrast, has focused on novel, complex problems, and has been performed with computerized, sometimes highly artificial tasks. The present volume focuses exclusively on the European approach. The distribution of contributors . . . reflects where the bulk of the empirical research on CPS has been conducted in Europe. The contributions to this volume center around 5 main topics. The first 3 chapters provide definitions and describe the various theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches that have been offered thus far. The 2nd group of chapters deals with general topics in CPS research, such as the role of feedback on task performance, implicit learning processes, and the relation between CPS and decision making. The 3rd group of chapters deals with differential aspects of CPS, such as intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and personnel selection. A 4th group of chapters deals with methodological issues in CPS. The last topic, evaluation, consists of a single chapter comparing North American to European approaches to CPS. Cover......Page 2 Half Title......Page 3 Title Page......Page 6 Copyright Page......Page 7 Dedication......Page 8 Table of Contents......Page 10 Contributors......Page 12 Preface......Page 14 Part One: Introduction......Page 21 1 Definitions, Traditions, and a General Framework for Understanding Complex Problem Solving......Page 23 2 Basic Topics and Approaches to the Study of Complex Problem Solving......Page 44 3 Complex Problem Solving: Toward a (Computersimulated) Theory......Page 76 Part Two: General Topics in the Study of Complex Problem Solving......Page 107 4 Feedback Delays in Complex Dynamic Decision Tasks......Page 109 5 Implicit Learning in the Control of Complex Systems......Page 134 6 Complex Problem Solving as Multistage Decision Making......Page 154 Part Three: The Differential Approach to Complex Problem Solving......Page 179 7 Complex Problem Solving, Intelligence, and Learning Ability......Page 181 8 Cognitive Flexibility and Complex Problem Solving......Page 206 9 Using Complex Problem Solving Tasks in Personnel Selection and Training......Page 224 Part Four: Methodological Issues in Research on Complex Problem Solving......Page 247 10 Experimental Research on Complex Problem Solving......Page 249 11 Single Case Studies and Models of Complex Problem Solving......Page 273 Part Five: Conclusions......Page 295 12 Expertise in Complex Problem Solving: A Comparison of Alternative Conceptions......Page 297 Author Index......Page 323 Subject Index......Page 342