Transformational and derivational strategies in analogical problem solving

Abstract

Analogical problem solving is mostly described as transfer of a source solution to a target problem based on the structural correspondences (mapping) between source and target. Derivational analogy (Carbonell, Machine learning: an artificial intelligence approach Los Altos. Morgan Kaufmann, 1986) proposes an alternative view: a target problem is solved by replaying a remembered problem-solving episode. Thus, the experience with the source problem is used to guide the search for the target solution by applying the same solution technique rather than by transferring the complete solution. We report an empirical study using the path finding problems presented in Novick and Hmelo (J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn 20:1296-1321, 1994) as material. We show that both transformational and derivational analogy are problem-solving strategies realized by human problem solvers. Which strategy is evoked in a given problem-solving context depends on the constraints guiding object-to-object mapping between source and target problem. Specifically, if constraints facilitating mapping are available, subjects are more likely to employ a transformational strategy, otherwise they are more likely to use a derivational strategy.

Modelling with Heuristic Worked Examples in the KOMMA Learning Environment

“…However, in such cases, memorized or given examples may help to solve new problems as well. An approach to explain how examples in such fields might support learners in problem-solving situations is the derivational analogy (Carbonell 1986;Schelhorn et al 2007). This kind of analogical transfer refers to an adaptation of a memorized or given problem-solving procedure and by using the structure of the procedure's subgoals.…”

Cognitive Discourse Analysis: accessing cognitive representations and processes through language data

“…Such questions are often formulated in such a way as to diff erentiate between alternating theories (e.g., Schelhorn, Griego, & Schmid, 2007, with respect to analogical reasoning strategies) and can therefore be quite specifi c and conceptually biased. Then the formulation of interview questions may not necessarily map onto the participants' personal experience of the task.…”