The Role of Representation in Problem Solving and Thinking

Introduction1

Discussion1

Mental representations1

Problem solving2

Problem solving and mental representations3

Thinking and mental representations4

Decision making and mental representations6

Conclusion7

References9

The Role of Representation in Problem Solving and Thinking

Introduction

Mental representation comprises the vital element in problem solving, thinking, making judgments and decision making process. Without forming mental representations, individuals cannot proceed with the tasks of problem solving, thinking, making judgments and decision making. Consciously or unconsciously, individuals when faced with a problem, thinking, judgments or decision making situation, forms representations in the mind.

This essay aims at describing the role of mental representations in different processes namely problem solving, thinking, making judgment and decision making process. The essay flows with what comprises mental representations and images. What is problem solving process and how problem solving essentially requires the formation of mental representation. The essay then cascades light on the association of the thinking process and mental representations. After explaining the inclusion of mental representations in the thinking process, the essay describes the role of mental representations in the decision making process.

Discussion

Mental representations

Representation refers to something displayed to mind, a reproduction, visual rendering, illustration, depiction; a mark or icon, pictogram, figure, and form or example. Representation can be physical or mental. Representations are figurative they depict something else. They differ in conceptualization, from pictures to verbal depictions (Paivio, n.d.).

A mental representation or image is the depiction of an entity, incident or person being in the mind (Nevid, 2009). A mental representation is not a real or pictorial copy of an entity or incident. Mental representation takes the shape of ideas, schemes, diagrams, characters, mental reproductions, imagery and cognitive diagrams (Bernstien et.al, 2008).

Problem solving

A problem is a state which an individual comes across and is unusual from the circumstances which the individual preferably would like to be present in. A problem is worked out by a series of actions that trims down the disparity between the original state and the aim (Yahya, n.d.).

Problem solving is the core of practice in the daily and professional frameworks (Jonassen, 2005). Problem solving pervades all areas of human actions. It is a general base of extensively contrasting fields for instance the law, sports, literature, sciences, business, industry, education and medicine (Yahya, n.d.). Experts are appointed and retained in the majority frameworks to facilitate problem solving.

In our daily lives, we continually work out problems. What is idiosyncratic regarding each one of these problems is that they are poorly structured. That is to say the problems that we work out in daily and professional frameworks different problem components are unidentified; have vague aims; have numerous way outs, solution ways, or no solutions in any way; have several measures for assessing solutions, have no common laws or guidelines for applying to nearly all situations; and time and again entails people to create opinions and decisions about the problem and support them (Jonassen, 2005).

Problem solving can be referred as thinking that is aimed at resolving a certain problem that entails both the developing way outs and deciding among potential solutions (Yahya, ...