Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning pp 682–685Cite as

Complex Problem Solving

  • Reference work entry

Synonyms

Dealing with uncertainty; Dynamic decision making; Problem solving in dynamic microworlds

Definition

Complex problem solving takes place for reducing the barrier between a given start state and an intended goal state with the help of cognitive activities and behavior. Start state, intended goal state, and barriers prove complexity, change dynamically over time, and can be partially intransparent. In contrast to solving simple problems, with complex problems at the beginning of a problem solution the exact features of the start state, of the intended goal state, and of the barriers are unknown. Complex problem solving expects the efficient interaction between the problem-solving person and situational conditions that depend on the task. It demands the use of cognitive, emotional, and social resources as well as knowledge (see Frensch and Funke 1995).

Theoretical Background

Since 1975 there has been started a new movement in the psychology of thinking that is engaged in complex...

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   3,400.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   2,999.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Brehmer, B., & Dörner, D. (1993). Experiments with computer-simulated microworlds: Escaping both the narrow straits of the laboratory and the deep blue sea of the field study. Computers in Human Behavior, 9, 171–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dörner, D. (1997). The logic of failure. Recognizing and avoiding error in complex situations. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frensch, P. A., & Funke, J. (Eds.). (1995). Complex problem solving: The European perspective. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Funke, J. (2003). Problemlösendes Denken. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osman, M. (2010). Controlling uncertainty: A review of human behavior in complex dynamic environments. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 65–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wenke, D., Frensch, P. A., & Funke, J. (2005). Complex problem solving and intelligence: Empirical relation and causal direction. In R. J. Sternberg & J. E. Pretz (Eds.), Cognition and intelligence: Identifying the mechanisms of the mind (pp. 160–187). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Hauptstr. 47-51, Heidelberg, 69117, Germany

    Dr. Joachim Funke

Authors
  1. Dr. Joachim Funke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joachim Funke .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Education, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Norbert M. Seel

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

Funke, J. (2012). Complex Problem Solving. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_685

Download citation

search

Navigation