Modeling Cognitive Problem-Solving Processes

Abstract

Modeling cognitive and meta-cognitive problem-solving processes is a systems approach to understanding how individuals solve problems using their thinking and reasoning. These models attempt to represent the mental steps and mechanisms involved in solving complex problems. Moreover, modeling cognitive problem-solving processes can contribute to a more efficient and adaptive design of intelligent tutorial systems, as it would enable instructional designers of e-learning environments to set up individualized support, relevant feedback, and learning activities tailored to the needs and preferences of each learner, thus promoting a more enriching and successful learning experience. The aim of this chapter is to provide readers with the theoretical underpinnings and an in-depth understanding of how cognitive and metacognitive models work in the first place, and how they can be applied to design effective and adaptive expert problem-solving systems in a variety of application domains.