Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the cognitive activity of identifying a goal and the actions needed to reach the goal. There are usually one or more obstacles to overcome to reach the goal. For example, a person may want to roll a ball across a room, but there are boxes in the way. To reach the goal, the person needs to move the boxes or the person’s own position before rolling the ball. The ability to solve problems is vital to everyday functioning. Throughout the day, people solve many types of problems, and these problems vary in scope and difficulty. This entry describes key aspects of problem-solving, the development of problem-solving skills from infancy to adolescence, and how social and cultural experiences contribute to this development.