Complete thesis - Murdoch University

To solve a problem produces a series of statements of ever-increasing complexity as theproblem is processed through the same cognitive functions. At first the problem is seen tohave narrow scope and low complexity. By its second reformulation, and based on enhancedmeaning and understanding, the problem has medium scope and complexity. Finally thelatest version reveals a problem of wide scope and high complexity as well as a higher levelof abstraction and logic. In the process, different types of knowledge are generated, allowingfor, amongst other factors, the following caveats: the problem definition is emergent; novicesand experts hold different world views (Gigch, 2000).He states that participants must remain sensitive to these progressive modifications. Althoughpositivist in nature, this view of problem diagnosis would seem to be relevant to theconsideration of the RE process, in that ill-structured problems require problem-solvers toengage firstly in problem-finding (Covington, 1987).Research during the 1990s placed primary importance on the thinking strategies of problemsolvers, and identified the following subprocesses (Davidson and Sternberg, 1998):representing the problem – identifying the most relevant features and creating a mentalmap of the components based on related information in long term memory, tacit andmetacognitive knowledgeplanning strategies – developed through review and selection in order to anticipate consequencesand risksovercoming obstacles – especially stereotyping or the need to enable incubation. Thisoften requires combining previously unnoticed elements in new ways and discoveringnew relationships between knowledge and problemexecuting plans – in order to monitor and evaluate strategy application.An alternate process breakdown, which stems from a specific type of problem solving that focusseson diagnosis and repair in systems (not necessarily computer systems) is troubleshooting.Engineering, computing and medicine involve troubleshooting.Troubleshooting can be divided into two major stages:hypothesis generation – identifying one or more potential faults. During this stage theway information is perceived and organised is critical; representation of the problem(schemata, mental models) determine pattern matching. Theories of perception areimportant here113