Table 1 Cognitive dimensions of problem-solving processes
From: Developing a computer-based assessment of complex problem solving in Chemistry
Cognitive dimension | Description |
|---|---|
Understanding and characterizing the problem (PUC) | -Understanding the situation in which the problem occurs |
-Identifying relevant information | |
-Extracting information from scientific texts, tables, and/or figures | |
-Developing scientific hypotheses | |
Representing the problem (PR) | -Creating adequate representations of the problem situation (e.g., mind maps, structural representations of chemical substances) |
-Shifting between different types of problem representations (graphical, verbal, symbolic, and tabular information) | |
Solving the problem (PS) | -Performing systematic and strategic methodologies in order to achieve a goal state (e.g., by controlling variables in a scientific experiment) |
-Planning and executing scientific investigations and experiments; testing hypotheses | |
Reflecting and communicating the solution (SRC) | -Evaluating and reflecting problem solutions and scientific evidence |
-Finding alternative solutions | |
-Communicating solutions and addressing different audiences (e.g., the scientific community, the public) | |
-Distinguishing between scientific and everyday language |