An Information-Processing Approach to Personal Problem Solving

A definition of problem is presented, which is seen as allowing research that can use methods analogous to those employed in research informal problem solving and in the study of 'experts' to allow for target interventions according to particular client weaknesses.

Abstract

An information-processing view of personal problem solving is presented, involving the way people take in information, process that information into plans for solutions to personal problems and carry out those plans. An abbreviated view of how we view the effect of some important individual differences is presented. We present a definition of problem, which we see as allowing research that can use methods analogous to those employed in research informal problem solving and in the study of 'experts.' We hope that such research will allow us to target interventions according to particular client weaknesses. We suggest some research directions that have promise of future pay off. Suggestions for counseling are made that derive from our experience in counseling college students.