Mental search processes in problem solving (original) (raw)

A new approach to problem solving was applied to multisolution problems in a memory search task. Subjects memorized a list of eight four-letter foods, and then searched mentally through the list for answers to questions. The times between successive answers (lRTs) were recorded along with the answers themselves. This allowed a comparison of two possible memory search strategies: (1) sampling with replacement, and (2) sampling without replacement. The results were largely in agreement with the sampling-without-replacement strategy. However, a more detailed breakdown of the data revealed that most subjects searched through the list in a rigid serial order. Further, an analysis of questions with identical answers showed that the IRTs were very nearly additive. This led to an additive time component model based on the independent summation of (a) read-in time, (b) memory-search time, (c) decision-making time, and (d) response-output time. This approach appeared generally more satisfactory than previous attempts to account for problem-solving behavior. Prompted by the work on memory scanning by Sternberg (1966, 19(9), the role of memory search processes has recently received considerable attention. While most research has dealt with variants of Sternberg's memory task. there has been less work on higher mental processes. The goal of this paper is to analyze the role of mental search processes in thought. Specifically, the purpose is to investigate the reaction time components involved in the search for and the discovery of solutions to problems. The importance of search processes in thinking and problem solving has been historically recognized (e.g .. Johnson. 1944). Miller. Galanter. and Pribram (1960) note that the "general conception-that thinking, problem solving. concept attainment can be modeled after the search process-is a familiar one to psychologists" (p, 1(3). They go on to add "that problem-solving can be represented as searching through a large set of possibilities until we find. one that solves the problem" (p. 1(7). Similarly. Campbell (1960) argued that creative thought involves