Explaining Variability
A Model of Problem-Solving (Newell and Simon 1972)
This model, proposed by Newell and Simon, has been applied to various forms of
problem-solving and serves as a crucial framework for examining how clinical decisions
are made.
There are many different steps in this process.
1. It is to understand the nature of the problem and develop an internal
representation of it.
This process involves understanding the goal of the problem, evaluating any given
conditions, and assessing the nature of the available data.
2. Develop a plan of action for solving the problem.
Newell and Simon differentiated between two types of plans: Heuristics and Algorithms.
An algorithm is a set of rules that will provide a correct solution if applied correctly (i.e.
Addition, Multiplication all involve algorithms)
Heuristics are rules of thumb that involve developing parallels between the present
problem and previous similar ones.
3. Apply the heuristics
Once the heuristics are developed, the plans are then applied to the given situations.
4. Determine whether heuristics have been fruitful.
The individual then decides whether the heuristics have been successful in the attempt to
solve the given problem. If they are considered unsuccessful, the individual may need to
develop a new approach to the problem.
A Model of Problem-Solving (Newell and Simon 1972)
This model, proposed by Newell and Simon, has been applied to various forms of
problem-solving and serves as a crucial framework for examining how clinical decisions
are made.
There are many different steps in this process.
1. It is to understand the nature of the problem and develop an internal
representation of it.
This process involves understanding the goal of the problem, evaluating any given
conditions, and assessing the nature of the available data.
2. Develop a plan of action for solving the problem.
Newell and Simon differentiated between two types of plans: Heuristics and Algorithms.
An algorithm is a set of rules that will provide a correct solution if applied correctly (i.e.
Addition, Multiplication all involve algorithms)
Heuristics are rules of thumb that involve developing parallels between the present
problem and previous similar ones.
3. Apply the heuristics
Once the heuristics are developed, the plans are then applied to the given situations.
4. Determine whether heuristics have been fruitful.
The individual then decides whether the heuristics have been successful in the attempt to
solve the given problem. If they are considered unsuccessful, the individual may need to
develop a new approach to the problem.
