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Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science pp 1–6Cite as

Problem Solving

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Synonyms

Complex problem solving; Problem solving ability; Social problem solving

Definition

A problem is a condition that needs to be resolved to achieve a desired goal. Problem-solving makes use of higher order cognitive processes that regulate lower order mental processes to achieve the goal. Problem solving ability is a person’s capability to transform the problematic condition to the goal state by using higher cognitive functions.

Introduction

The whole life involves problem solving from small scale to large scale problems, from simple to complex problems, and from personal and psychological to social, environmental, and collective problems. Problem solving in all problems involves three components: givens (facts or stimuli presented), goals (desired ending), and operations (methods or techniques to achieve the desired objective). Commonly, we engage in problem solving to overcome hindrances, to accomplish a goal, or to find a solution to a problem that has no readymade solution...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan

    Shameem Fatima

Authors
  1. Shameem Fatima
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shameem Fatima .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA

    Todd K. Shackelford

  2. Rochester, MI, USA

    Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford

Section Editor information

  1. Oklamoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA

    Jaimie Arona Krems

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Fatima, S. (2020). Problem Solving. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_625-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_625-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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