Use of analogies in problem solving

摘要

Problem solving can be done by referring back to previous succesful experiences with similar problems. The framework of analogical problem solving was used to answer mainly two questions: (a) how easily is prior knowledge accessible, and (b) how easily can prior knowledge be transferred to new problems. Three groups of subjects first had to learn about eight problems and their solutions before they were asked to solve a new problem (target problem). Only one of the eight previous problems included solution principles which could help to solve the target problem. With respect to the context of the target problem this one problem was dissimilar for Group 1, similar for Group 2, and context free for Group 3. Subjects in Group 2 had less difficulties finding the relevant problem (source problem) out of the eight previous ones, however at the same time they had more difficulties using the solution principle of the source to solve the target. It can be concluded, that on one hand it is easier to search for and detect the right source when source and target problems are similar in context in comparison to dissimilar or context free, but on the other hand it becomes more difficult to abstract and transfer the solution principle.