The effects of informational complexity and working memory on problem-solving efficiency

This study investigated the influence of informational complexity and working memory capacity on problem-solving efficiency. We examined two predictions of the situational efficiency hypothesis, which states that the efficiency of problem solving varies as a function of situational constraints. One prediction is that informational complexity affects problem-solving efficiency. A second prediction is that working memory capacity affects problem-solving efficiency. Students completed a working memory task and solved abstract and concrete syllogisms. Participants solved abstract syllogisms more accurately than concrete syllogisms and spent more time solving abstract syllogisms. Thus participants demonstrated greater problem-solving efficiency when solving concrete syllogisms. Results indicate that there is a trade-off between problem-solving accuracy and problem-solving time when information differs with respect to informational complexity, a phenomenon we refer to as the efficiency paradox. Working memory capacity did not affect accuracy or efficiency. The results support the conclusion that problem-solving efficiency is situational and a function of the complexity of information. Educational implications and directions for future research are suggested.

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Work Title The effects of informational complexity and working memory on problem-solving efficiency
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Bobby Hoffman
  2. Matthew T. McCrudden
  3. Gregory Schraw
  4. Kendall Hartley
Keyword
  1. Efficiency
  2. Problem solving
  3. Working memory
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Asia Pacific Education Review
Publication Date December 2008
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03025663
Deposited August 09, 2023

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Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Added APER_2008_Efficiency.pdf
  • Added Creator Bobby Hoffman
  • Added Creator Matthew T. McCrudden
  • Added Creator Gregory Schraw
  • Added Creator Kendall Hartley
  • Published
  • Updated Keyword, Description Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Efficiency, Problem solving, Working memory
    Description
    • x
    • This study investigated the influence of informational complexity and working memory capacity on problem-solving efficiency. We examined two predictions of the situational efficiency hypothesis, which states that the efficiency of problem solving varies as a function of situational constraints. One prediction is that informational complexity affects problem-solving efficiency. A second prediction is that working memory capacity affects problem-solving efficiency. Students completed a working memory task and solved abstract and concrete syllogisms. Participants solved abstract syllogisms more accurately than concrete syllogisms and spent more time solving abstract syllogisms. Thus participants demonstrated greater problem-solving efficiency when solving concrete syllogisms. Results indicate that there is a trade-off between problem-solving accuracy and problem-solving time when information differs with respect to informational complexity, a phenomenon we refer to as the efficiency paradox. Working memory capacity did not affect accuracy or efficiency. The results support the conclusion that problem-solving efficiency is situational and a function of the complexity of information. Educational implications and directions for future research are suggested.
  • Updated Publication Date Show Changes
    Publication Date
    • 2008-01-01
    • 2008-12
  • Updated