General Problem Solver

Definition

The General Problem Solver (GPS) is a computer program developed in the 1950s that was designed to simulate human problem-solving processes. It aimed to find solutions to a variety of problems by using means-ends analysis, which involved breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts and systematically exploring options. GPS played a crucial role in the transition from behaviorism to cognitive psychology by demonstrating how mental processes could be modeled computationally, reflecting the growing interest in understanding human cognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GPS was one of the first programs to illustrate how computers could mimic human thought processes, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence.
2. The program used means-ends analysis to navigate through complex problems by continuously assessing progress towards a goal.
3. While GPS was groundbreaking, it faced limitations with ill-structured problems, showing that human reasoning is often more flexible than algorithmic approaches.
4. The development of GPS was influenced by earlier work in cybernetics and information theory, linking it to broader trends in understanding behavior and cognition.
5. GPS contributed to the cognitive revolution by shifting the focus from observable behaviors to internal mental processes, paving the way for modern cognitive psychology.

Review Questions

• How did the General Problem Solver contribute to our understanding of human cognition?
  • The General Problem Solver advanced our understanding of human cognition by modeling problem-solving processes through a computer program. By using means-ends analysis, GPS illustrated how humans approach and decompose complex problems into manageable parts. This highlighted the importance of mental strategies in problem-solving and shifted focus from purely behavioral observations to internal cognitive processes.
• In what ways did the limitations of the General Problem Solver inform future research in cognitive psychology?
  • The limitations of the General Problem Solver, particularly its struggles with ill-structured problems, underscored the complexity of human reasoning and led researchers to explore more adaptive problem-solving strategies. This prompted further investigations into heuristics and cognitive flexibility, influencing subsequent developments in cognitive psychology. Researchers realized that human problem-solving often requires more than systematic algorithms and includes intuitive and context-dependent approaches.
• Evaluate the significance of means-ends analysis as utilized in the General Problem Solver in relation to behavioral approaches.
  • Means-ends analysis as employed in the General Problem Solver marked a pivotal shift from behavioral approaches, which focused solely on observable actions, to a deeper exploration of cognitive processes. By breaking down problems into steps and systematically addressing each part, GPS demonstrated how thinking could be structured and analyzed computationally. This innovation not only provided insights into human cognition but also laid the groundwork for future cognitive models that further bridged psychology and artificial intelligence.

Related terms

Heuristic: A rule-of-thumb or strategy used to simplify problem-solving and decision-making, often providing good enough solutions when an exhaustive search is impractical.

Means-Ends Analysis: A problem-solving strategy that involves identifying the differences between the current state and the desired goal, then taking steps to reduce those differences.

Cognitive Modeling:

The process of creating computational models that represent human cognitive processes, helping researchers understand how people think, learn, and solve problems.