KANIZSA ANALYSIS OF PRAGNANZ AS AN OBSTACLE TO PROBLEM-SOLVING AND THE THEORY OF MENTAL MODELS

This study shows how the gestalt tradition on problem solving anticipa ted the current theory of mental models. In particular, the results ob tained with a task invented by Harrower and reexamined by Kanizsa are analyzed in terms of the fleshing out of mental models and search for alternative models. The study stresses how Kaniza's revision of the We rtheimer concept of ''pragnanz'' permits understanding of when and why the organizational factors can delay or hinder the solution of a prob lem.