A Model of Functional Knowledge and Insight.

Abstract : We distinguish between routine, semiroutine, and nonroutine problems based on the problem solver's knowledge. Routine problems are solved by applying a known procedure, semiroutine problems require planning that uses functional knowledge, and nonroutine problems require generation of new functional knowledge. We have simulated nonroutine problem solving in which functional knowledge is derived from properties of objects that are available in the situation. In an experiment, we provided knowledge about functional relations of components of a device and found that this facilitated inference of operating procedures, in contrast to knowledge about the states of the individual components, which was ineffective.

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