The Cognitive Underpinnings of Multiply-Constrained Problem Solving
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| Title: | The Cognitive Underpinnings of Multiply-Constrained Problem Solving |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Ellis, Derek M., Robison, Matthew K., Brewer, Gene A. |
| Source: | Journal of Intelligence. 2021 9. |
| Availability: | MDPI AG. Klybeckstrasse 64, 4057 Basel, Switzerland. e-mail: indexing@mdpi.com; e-mail: jintelligence@mdpi.com; Web site: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jintelligence |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Cognitive Ability, Problem Solving, Short Term Memory, Attention Control, Semantics, Intelligence, Task Analysis, Learning Strategies, Individual Differences, College Students, Cognitive Tests, Games, Intelligence Tests |
| Geographic Terms: | Arizona |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices |
| ISSN: | 2079-3200 |
| Abstract: | Individuals encounter problems daily wherein varying numbers of constraints require delimitation of memory to target goal-satisfying information. Multiply-constrained problems, such as the compound remote associates, are commonly used to study this type of problem solving. Since their development, multiply-constrained problems have been theoretically and empirically related to creative thinking, analytical problem solving, insight problem solving, and a multitude of other cognitive abilities. In the present study, we empirically evaluated the range of cognitive abilities previously associated with multiply-constrained problem solving to assess common versus unique predictive variance (i.e., working memory, attention control, episodic and semantic memory, and fluid and crystallized intelligence). Additionally, we sought to determine whether problem-solving ability and self-reported strategy adoption (analytical or insightful) were task specific or task general through the use of novel multiply-constrained problem-solving tasks (TriBond and Location Bond). Performance across these tasks was shown to be domain general, solutions derived through insightful strategies were more often correct than those derived through analytical strategies, and crystallized intelligence was the sole cognitive ability that provided unique predictive value after accounting for all other abilities. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/vg8mu |
| Entry Date: | 2021 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1312481 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Individuals encounter problems daily wherein varying numbers of constraints require delimitation of memory to target goal-satisfying information. Multiply-constrained problems, such as the compound remote associates, are commonly used to study this type of problem solving. Since their development, multiply-constrained problems have been theoretically and empirically related to creative thinking, analytical problem solving, insight problem solving, and a multitude of other cognitive abilities. In the present study, we empirically evaluated the range of cognitive abilities previously associated with multiply-constrained problem solving to assess common versus unique predictive variance (i.e., working memory, attention control, episodic and semantic memory, and fluid and crystallized intelligence). Additionally, we sought to determine whether problem-solving ability and self-reported strategy adoption (analytical or insightful) were task specific or task general through the use of novel multiply-constrained problem-solving tasks (TriBond and Location Bond). Performance across these tasks was shown to be domain general, solutions derived through insightful strategies were more often correct than those derived through analytical strategies, and crystallized intelligence was the sole cognitive ability that provided unique predictive value after accounting for all other abilities. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-3200 |
