Definition
The problem-solving process can be defined as the ability to take the necessary steps to achieve a certain goal. Often, the steps involved in the problem-solving process are unknown and may need to be completed in a particular order to achieve the goal. Although problems differ in the number of solutions possible, some problems have only one suitable solution whereas others have a variety of acceptable solutions; the problem-solving process requires the individual to choose their actions from an endless number of possible actions.
There are currently two widely accepted problem-solving methods. The first method, algorithms, utilizes an exhaustive list of possibilities to obtain a solution to a particular problem. Although this method ensures that a solution will be achieved, it can become a cumbersome and time-consuming method to problem solving. The second method, heuristic method, is based on a more selective list of possible problem-solving methods including only those...
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References and Readings
Luria, A. R., & Tsvetkova, L. S. (1990). The neuropsychological analysis of problem solving. Orlando: Paul M. Deutsch Press.
Unterrainer, J. M. (2006). Planning and problem solving: From neuropsychology to functional neuroimaging. Journal of Physiology, 99(6), 308–317.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
Hughes, C., Estrada, J. (2018). Problem Solving. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1477
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1477
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences