Problem-Solving : Strategies, Challenges and Outcomes

Life is a series of coping with a variety of problems. Major or minor problems arise for us all the time, and our life is filled with them. Thus, we need to engage in constant problem-solving in our daily lives. This book reviews strategies, challenges and outcomes of problem-solving. Chapter One discusses computational thinking and fuzzy logic in problem solving. Chapter Two reviews digital technologies and mathematical problem solving. Chapter Three deals with the concept of Einstellung effect - a psychological phenomenon evinced by problem solvers through a tendency (mind set) to use previously learned workable strategy in situations that either can be resolved more efficiently or to which the strategy is not applicable at all. Chapter Four gives an overview of the research on the use of narrative Context Rich Problems (CRP) in physics education at the upper secondary and higher education levels. Chapter Five examines teaching and assessing story problems. Chapter Six assesses the interpersonal problem-solving process. Chapter Seven discusses validations and outcomes of a multi-dimensional scale to measure strategies for solving personal problems. In Chapter Eight, the ability for solving problems in our day-to-day lives, called social problem-solving is addressed. Chapter Nine examines the relationship between social problem solving and some mediator and moderator variables among 12- and 16-year-old Hungarian students. Chapter Ten investigates the effect of improving young students' self-regulatory strategies on their persistence to face and overcome cognitive obstacles and their problem-solving ability. Chapter Eleven discusses improving undergraduate student generic problem solving skills by using problem-based learning in large classroom settings. Chapter Twelve presents problem-solving therapy (PST) as an effective intervention to prevent or reduce psychopathology and to enhance positive well-being by helping individuals cope more effectively with stressful life problems. Chapter Thirteen investigates the status of Problem Solving in our modern society, and explores perspectives in the forthcoming Third Industrial Revolution.