A Theory of Problem-Solving Behavior

@article{citeulike:487, abstract = {In this paper we develop a formal, testable theory of problem-solving behavior with special relevance to individuals and small groups. The theory is consistent with principles drawn from operant behavior and social exchange theories but also incorporates elements of cognitive psychology. Problem solving is defined as a nonroutine activity oriented toward changing an undesirable state of affairs. The focus on change differentiates problem solving from coping, which is oriented toward relieving feelings of stress. A decision-making model is presented, which takes the problem-solving process through its latter stages. The theory is based on two axioms and three theorems pertaining to the process of decision making. These axioms and theorems serve as the foundation for deriving 14 theorems that establish the antecedent conditions affecting decisions relevant to each of four stages in the problem-solving process. This theory is distinguished from other problem-solving theories in its effort to account for conditions leading to awareness of problems and in its emphasis on generic problem-solving processes rather than on the effectiveness of problem-solving outcomes.}, author = {Tallman, Irving and Leik, Robert K. and Gray, Louis N. and Stafford, Mark C. }, citeulike-article-id = {487}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2786776}, journal = {Social Psychology Quarterly}, keywords = {decision-making, problem-solving, reread, theoretical}, number = {3}, pages = {157--177}, posted-at = {2007-01-03 16:25:01}, priority = {2}, title = {A Theory of Problem-Solving Behavior}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2786776}, volume = {56}, year = {1993} }

TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:487 L3 - citeulike-article-id:487 N2 - In this paper we develop a formal, testable theory of problem-solving behavior with special relevance to individuals and small groups. The theory is consistent with principles drawn from operant behavior and social exchange theories but also incorporates elements of cognitive psychology. Problem solving is defined as a nonroutine activity oriented toward changing an undesirable state of affairs. The focus on change differentiates problem solving from coping, which is oriented toward relieving feelings of stress. A decision-making model is presented, which takes the problem-solving process through its latter stages. The theory is based on two axioms and three theorems pertaining to the process of decision making. These axioms and theorems serve as the foundation for deriving 14 theorems that establish the antecedent conditions affecting decisions relevant to each of four stages in the problem-solving process. This theory is distinguished from other problem-solving theories in its effort to account for conditions leading to awareness of problems and in its emphasis on generic problem-solving processes rather than on the effectiveness of problem-solving outcomes. IS - 3 JF - Social Psychology Quarterly EP - 177 TI - A Theory of Problem-Solving Behavior VL - 56 SP - 157 KW - decision-making KW - problem-solving KW - reread KW - theoretical AU - Tallman, Irving AU - Leik, Robert AU - Gray, Louis AU - Stafford, Mark PY - 1993/// UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2786776 ER -