Problem solving is a necessary part of human life. In her talk, Dr. Salvi explains that there are two distinct methods when one searches for the solution to a certain problem. She provides an example of a problem given to her participants where they are shown three words: tooth, heart and potato. Participants are then to provide the solution to these sets of words. Her study shows that participants solve such a problem by either analyzing or through insight. When one approaches the problem in a “step by step” manner, they are exemplifying the analysis approach. Such a method involves a continuous and gradual approach towards the solution. A participant may also be unaware of the steps but provide the correct answer of “sweet” nonetheless. This method is known as insight or an “aha moment”. Insight involves the filtering of incoming information, whereas analysis is the elaboration of external information.
A recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland showed that “boys with good motor skills are better problem-solvers than their less skillful peers”. The study found no such correlation in girls nor a correlation between physical fitness and problem solving. Researchers conducted a baseline motor and cognitive skills and followed up on the 6-8-year old’s for a two year span. The study predicts that the same correlation may not have been found in girls due to “biological or sociocultural differences between boys and girl”.
The study conducted by Dr. Salvi and the one by the University of Eastern Finland show that there are cognitive overlaps in problem solving as well as gender differences. In her research, Dr. Salvi also studied the ways in which confidence impacts insight as well as timing pressures. Her study found that people who solve problems through insight tend to feel excited and confident in their answers. Insight has therefore been linked to accuracy. Her research found that participants who have insight provide accurate answers to the problems. Dr. Salvi also explains that students are more likely to make errors at the end of an exam or solution. This increase in error is due to time constraints and an analysis of the problem rather than the use of insight. Therefore, insight is shown to not occur when one is running out of time. This relates to the prediction between problem solving in boys and girls mentioned in the study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland. Boys may be more confident in their problem-solving capabilities and may therefore be better skilled at accurately reaching correct solutions. A difference between the two studies are Dr. Salvi’s study of risk and problem-solving. Dr. Salvi has found that females are better at solving problems when under risk. This study may also provide an answer to the lack of difference between motor skill and problem solving in girls found by the University of Eastern Finland. Another explanation for girls’ performance may be due to the problems they solved not to be risk involved.
Future studies may want to combine the study conducted by Dr. Salvi and the one by the University of Eastern Finland and study participants’ problem-solving skills in relation to motor skills, time constraints, risk, and other biological factors. Both of these studies are able to provide tangible evidence as to the causes of problem-solving differences. Such research may one day help people improve such cognitive skills as well as impact the way children are taught to solve problems.
Kounios, J., & Beeman, M. (2009). The Aha! Moment: The Cognitive Neuroscience of Insight.
Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(4), 210- 216. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-
University of Eastern Finland. (2018, December 17). Boys with good motor skills excel at
problem-solving, too. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 23, 2019 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181217105613.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment