Aspects of Solution Structure in Design Problem Solving.

Abstract : Forty-eight subjects reiteratively designed a schedule for a set of abstract library procedures. Obtained solution schedules were measured in terms of (1) solution time, (2) satisfaction of functional design requirements, (3) stability of solution through the sequence of iterations, and (4) cluster, the degree to which solutions reflected the inherent structure of the problem. It was found that the extent to which schedules were clustered was a significant predictor of satisfaction of functional design requirements, and that the stability of solutions was a significant predictor of solution time. Weak effects of problem statement on solution variables were also identified. (Author)