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Forschung > Research on Complex Problem Solving (Komplexes Problemlösen)

Research on Complex Problem Solving (Komplexes Problemlösen)

Since about 1975, problem solving research in Germany has shifted its attention from simple to complex problems due to ideas developed by Dietrich Dörner (now at Bamberg University). Complex problems are presented to human subjects as computersimulated scenarios which they have to explore and control. Complex problem are called "complex" due to their system attributes like complexity, connectivity, intransparency, dynamics, and polytely.

During the discussion about research strategies for analyzing Complex Problem Solving, two different schools or traditions emerged. Following Buchner (1995), the first tradition (Bamberg School; Dietrich Dörner, Harald Schaub, Stefan Strohschneider) is interested in differential effects of variables like intelligence or self-esteem. The second tradition (Heidelberg school; Carola Barth, Christine Blech, Sven Brüssow, Joachim Funke, Samuel Greiff, Daniel Holt) makes a focus on system attributes, asking for the effects of degree of time delay, number of side effects, and so on. The last mentioned approach has a offered a list of research principles.

Our current research is twofold: on the one side we are interested in the development of better measurement devices, on the other side we want to understand the regulation and self-regulation processes during problem solving: the impact of emotion on cognition, for example, how affective states influence planning processes and problem solving strategies, or how metacognition can be improved to come to better problem solving results.

We have developed the concept of minimal complex systems, for systems based on linear structural equations (the MicroDYN Approach) as well as for systems based on finite state automata (the MicroFIN approach). This conceptual frame is not favoring a singular microworld, but looking for a large class of scalable problems with high psychometric qualities.

With the computersimulated microworld Tailorshop, we have implemented a new Flash version which can easily be translated into different langiuages. In cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, http://mathopt.uni-hd.de/, we developed new scoring procedures for the classic nonlinear optimization task which make the old scenario Tailorshop to a highly relevant and psychometric interesting tool for complex problem research.

Also, our developments around tasks like Plan-a-Day or Rushhour contribute to basic research in the area of thinking and problem solving.

More information about Complex Problem Solving

Current Research at Heidelberg

Problem-Solving Competencies: Research by Samuel Greiff and me on test development (MicroDYN and MicroFIN approach)

BMBF Complex Problem solving: Research by Sven Brüssow, Daniel Holt and me on the development of a test for planning (Plan-A-Day)

DRK Hotline Training: Research by Lutz Lyding on catastrophe management

Graduiertenkolleg Goals and Preferences (2007-2010): Research by Carola Barth and me on Emotion & Cognition

Research by Christine Blech and me on polytelic situations (i.e., situations with many goals, some of them may be conflicting)

Marsilius-Project Geo-Engineering: Interdisciplinary research by Dorothee Amelung on climate engineering

Software Tools and Scenarios

All our own tools are free of charge for research purposes. We have no capacity to adjust our software to specific purposes from outside.

  • MicroDYN and MicroFIN: We are currently preparing packages for different target groups. Just in case, ask Dr. Samuel Greiff.
  • TAILORSHOP: Managing a small company, see http://sourceforge.net/projects/tobago/ developed by our friends Holger Diedam, Michael Engelhart & Sebastian Sager; there is also a Flash version available from Daniel Holt.
  • COMMERCE: a microworld developed by Tilmann Betsch, Andreas Glöckner, and Susanne Haberstroh for analyzing routine decision making
  • Bamberger Forschungsszenarios: A list of microworlds (and other software) developed by the Bamberg Group of Dietrich Dörner (no longer available, 7/2009)
  • FSYS: a computerbased assessment for complex problem solving developed by Dietrich Wagener, Universität Mannheim (in German)
  • Networked Fire Chief: A simulation used by the Australian researchers Mary Omodei and Alex Wearing
  • PeaceMaker: Play a leading role in the Mideast peace process (used at the DDM lab at the CMU as well as in my group at Heidelberg
  • References

  • Funke (2003), Problemlösendes Denken (in German)
  • Reader edited by Frensch & Funke (1995), Complex Problem Solving
  • Review article by Funke & Frensch (1995), Complex problem solving research in North America and Europe: An integrative review
  • Reader edited by Funke & Fritz (1995), Neue Konzepte und Instrumente zur Planungsdiagnostik (in German; New concepts and instruments for the diagnosis of planning behavior)
  • Funke (1992), Wissen über dynamische Systeme (in German)
  • Funke (1986), Komplexes Problemlösen (in German)
  • Funke (1986), Überblick über computersimulierte Szenarien aus Untersuchungen zum "Komplexen Problemlösen" (in German)
  • Links

  • MicroDYN and MicroFIN approach (using Linear Structural Equations and Finite State Automata)
  • Plan-a-Day (Daily Errands planning)
  • List of Problem Solving People (managed by Purdue University)
  • Acquisition and Use of Knowledge in the Control of a Dynamic System (Wolfgang Schoppek, Bayreuth University)
  • ACTOR - Umweltlernen für jeden Typ (Ernst-Dieter Lantermann, Uni Kassel, in German)
  • Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory (Coty Gonzalez, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Home of Jerome Busemeyer and his Decision Field Theory
  • Home of Bergen Decision Lab under the head of Gisela Böhm
  • Shared Data-Sets from Jose Quesada, MPI Berlin
  • Journals

  • Journal of Problem Solving (Open Access)
  • Judgment and Decision Making (Open Access)
  • Thinking and Reasoning (Taylor & Francis)
  • Commercial Applications (outside of universities)

  • Modeling tool HERAKLIT (in German): http://www.vernetzt-denken.de/
  • Cybernetic Website of Frederic Vester (in German): http://www.frederic-vester.de
  • Systems Thinking Software (Stella, iThink): http://www.iseesystems.com/
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    Startseite
    BMFT project Complex problem solving
    Complex problem solving research - Homepage
    DFG-Projekt SMT
    DYNAMIS
    DFG-Projekt Kompetenzdiagnostik
    Blickbewegung
    DRK Hotline-Schulung
    Gummibären-Forschung
    Internet Research
    KOGNI Program Description
    Forschungsthema: Neuropsychologie
    Plan-a-Day
    Research on Complex Problem Solving (Komplexes Problemlösen)
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    Zuletzt bearbeitet am 17.09.2012 von JF.