A study of how individuals solve complex and ill-structured problems

A number of factors cause individuals to use diverse strategies to solve pr oblems. This paper presents a methodology for examining these differences i n strategy. Verbal protocols are elicited to collect data on the cognitive processes occurring during problem solving. These data, codified into propo sitional representations, and non-parametric statistical comparisons are th en used to evaluate the significance of strategy differences. These strateg ies are then mapped with dynamical graphs, with which we examine the task-i ndependent and the task-specific cognitive representations the participants used. As an illustrative example we apply this methodology to study the in fluence of two contributing factors, professional training and national cul ture, on the strategies adopted by professionals to solve a complex and ill -structured problem (hunger in a country). The problem-solving strategies o f professionals from different countries and trained in architecture, engin eering, law or medicine are analyzed to show some intriguing differences in the general strategies adopted by individuals belonging to different profe ssions, and the outcomes from using these strategies.