Articles tagged with Problem Solving
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that groups that interacted only intermittently preserved the best of both worlds, having an average quality of solution nearly identical to those that interacted constantly. However, this intermittent interaction allowed high performers to learn from low performers and achieve even better solutions.
Researchers found that positive family climate and effective parenting strategies during adolescence can lead to better problem-solving skills and less-violent romantic relationships as young adults. Positive engagement with parents is also associated with feelings of love and connection in young adult relationships.
Wild grey squirrels were more successful at solving complex problems than native red squirrels, with over 90% cracking the difficult task. The study suggests superior behavioural flexibility may have facilitated their dominance in the UK.
Researchers found that puppies raised by doting mothers were less likely to succeed in a training program to become guide dogs. The study suggests that guide-dog-training organizations can better identify dogs who are more likely to succeed by understanding the impact of maternal style on offspring behavior.
Researchers found that puppies raised by attentive mothers were less likely to succeed in training programs. Those whose mothers nursed more often while standing up had lower graduation rates as adult guide dogs. The study suggests that minor obstacles can help offspring succeed later in life.
Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.
A randomized clinical trial of 230 Head Start mothers found that a problem-solving intervention significantly reduced depressive symptom episodes. The study suggests that such interventions can be an effective approach to addressing maternal depression, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study found that early environmental experiences and temperament shape children's problem-solving skills. Children with hawk traits developed enhanced problem-solving for rewards by age 4, but performed worse on standardized tasks.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy practical products, such as cooking ingredients and household cleaners, when they feel a loss of control. This purchase behavior is driven by a desire to exert control over their lives through functional items.
A new study from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville shows that diversity within a wild songbird community enhances its members' access to food and increases their ability to solve problems. The research found that mixed-species groups are more effective in finding food sources and using problem-solving skills.
A new UT Dallas study derived optimal policies and data-driven techniques for firms to learn about demand and adjust capacity. The study's main finding is that production managers need to maintain a careful balance between observing the demand and changing the capacity.
MIT researchers incorporated human strategies into automatic planners, achieving significant improvements in performance. By encoding high-level strategies from skilled human planners, they improved the performance of competition-winning algorithms on complex planning problems.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus found that traditional lectures have little impact on students' problem-solving skills after the first semester. Post-secondary institutions may need to adapt their teaching styles to incorporate active discovery and skill-based learning.
Research from Oregon State University finds that strong curiosity traits are linked to better creative performance, with diversive curiosity showing the most significant impact. Employees with stronger curiosity can develop more ideas and spend more time on early-stage problem-solving.
A new study reveals four stages of problem-solving: encoding, planning, solving, and responding, using functional MRI to analyze brain activity patterns. The method holds promise for designing more effective classroom instruction and broader applications in cognitive research.
The structure-mapping engine (SME) enables computers to reason more like humans and make moral decisions by leveraging cognitive science theories. SME can handle the size and complexity of relational representations needed for visual reasoning, cracking textbook problems, and solving moral dilemmas.
The study uses data from cameras and smartpens to track students' actions while watching instructional videos. Researchers identified four archetypes of problem-solving methods, which could help coaches identify successful approaches and provide targeted support.
Researchers tracked fox squirrels in foraging tasks with locked containers, observing tail flicks as frustration increased. The study suggests that frustration may be necessary and beneficial for problem solving, leading to persistence and new strategies.
Researchers discovered a moderate correlation between handedness and mathematical skill, accounting for around 5-10% of mathematics scores. The study also found that degree of handedness influenced by age, task type, and gender, with lateralized children performing worse in certain tasks.
A recent study found that high standards in marriage improve satisfaction only in strong marriages, while eroding relationships in less strong marriages. Couples who work well together are better able to meet higher standards and show high satisfaction, whereas those who don't work well together do poorly on both fronts.
Conservatives tend to use a more structured approach, while liberals rely on 'Aha!' insights. Research from Northwestern University finds these cognitive styles affect everyday problems beyond politics.
Researchers captured images of problem-solving in mice using advanced microscopy techniques, revealing rapid rewiring in the frontal brains after learning by trial and error. The study supports critical thinking and active learning approaches in schools and workplaces.
A PLOS ONE study found that inhibitory control affects physical problem-solving in pet dogs. The ability to 'wait-for-treat' was identified as a key factor in their problem-solving performance.
A study by Sarah Benson-Amram and colleagues found that carnivore species with larger brains relative to their body size were more successful in solving a novel problem-solving task, with bears being the most successful and meerkats and mongooses being the least. The results support the theory that brain size predicts cognitive abilities.
A study led by University of Exeter researchers found that people with early-stage dementia who attended weekly self-management group sessions showed improved independence, social support and confidence in managing daily life. The groups fostered a sense of community among participants.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels solve problems in the search for food through persistence and choosing effective behaviors. The research showed increased experience, higher persistence, and behavioral selectivity are directly related to improved problem-solving efficiency.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that matching levels of racial diversity between store employees and surrounding communities leads to improved sales performance. The research merged opposing views on diversity in the workplace, suggesting that both social identity theory and the information-based perspective ca...
New research found that individuals with high autistic traits generate fewer but more original and creative responses during divergent thinking tasks. The study suggests that these individuals may approach creativity problems in a unique way, utilizing less common strategies to produce unusual responses.
A study by C. Page Moreau and Marit Gundersen Engeset found that adults' creativity suffers when given well-defined problems to solve, such as building with Legos. This can lead to a reliance on routine tasks and decreased performance on subsequent creative tasks.
Researchers at Boston College surveyed 59 educators about mobile technology's impact on non-cognitive skills like empathy and teamwork. While teachers were mostly positive about classroom learning benefits, they expressed concerns about digital distraction and its effects on students' social-emotional development.
Researchers found that mountain chickadees living at harsher high elevations exhibit superior spatial memory and problem-solving abilities. However, these birds tend to avoid novel objects, contradicting the expectation that enhanced problem-solving skills would come with increased innovation.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg believe it is possible to teach complex psychological processes enabling people to solve problems, or 'intelligence'. The study highlights the need for cross-curricular skills that can be applied in various situations and domains.
A novel course at Washington University in St. Louis evaluates the effectiveness of active-learning techniques in large lecture classes, showing mixed but consistent benefits in conceptual learning and attitudes towards learning and problem-solving. The study eliminates traditional concerns about large classes and inquiry-based courses.
A new study reveals that peer-to-peer problem solving can lessen the need for firms to contact their supplier for traditional customer support services. By leveraging collective knowledge and wisdom of customer communities, firms can conserve time and resources associated with traditional support services.
A study by San Francisco State University found that creative pursuits outside of work boost problem-solving and helping skills on the job. Employers can encourage employees to engage in more creative activities, either through personal time or bringing them into the workplace.
A new study found differences in doctor-patient dialogue about HIV drug adherence depending on patients' race and ethnicity. Black patients experienced significant provider dominance, while Hispanic patients had more extensive dialogues about adherence.
A new project at the University of Houston aims to incorporate art into STEM education to increase the quality of STEM graduates. Jay Young's research focuses on how creativity can be used to solve problems in math and science, with findings suggesting that artistic endeavors are essential for better problem-solving skills.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that self-affirmation can protect against the negative effects of stress on problem-solving performance. Participants who underwent a brief self-affirmation exercise showed improved problem-solving abilities under time pressure, suggesting a potential strategy for boosting performance.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that self-affirmation exercises can improve problem-solving skills and reduce acute stress. Students who performed a self-affirmation exercise scored higher on a subsequent problem-solving task than those who did not, suggesting that self-affirmation may be a useful buffer against chronic stress.
A new study found that training individuals on a working-memory task can improve their performance on various cognitive tasks, including problem-solving and attentional control. The training exercise increased connectivity between specific brain areas, particularly the parietal and frontal brain regions.
Researchers found subtle effects of konzo on children's cognitive ability, even without physical symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health education programs to prevent outbreaks and create nontoxic cassava varieties.
A multi-site clinical trial shows that Bright IDEAS problem-solving skills training reduces mothers' levels of anxiety and symptoms of posttraumatic stress after a child's cancer diagnosis. The training also improves overall coping with a child's illness, making things seem manageable for parents.
Researchers found that managers tend to opt for higher-risk options when forced to choose, but reflect more and make less risky decisions without constraints. The study highlights the importance of offering alternatives to combat high-risk or unethical decision-making.
A study found that spending four days in nature, disconnected from electronic devices, improves creative problem-solving skills by 50%. The researchers used the Remote Associates Test to measure creativity and found significant benefits among participants.
A Canadian study found that smoking after a stroke significantly affects problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Patients who quit smoking achieved the same scores as lifetime non-smokers, emphasizing the importance of quitting for cognitive health.
Research suggests that high working memory capacity enhances performance in mathematical problem-solving by facilitating focused attention. In contrast, excessive focus may hinder creative problem-solving due to the need for novel approaches and diverse information combinations.
A study published in the International Journal of Bilingualism found that bilingual children excelled in tasks requiring selective attention and mental agility, while monolingual children struggled. The research suggests that bilingualism can increase mental agility and benefits in areas such as problem-solving and creative thinking.
University of Michigan Health System study shows that lean thinking techniques can improve efficiency, morale, and teamwork in the operating room. The study found significant improvements in turnaround time, staff empowerment, and problem-solving skills.
According to Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Nira Liberman, playing make-believe is crucial for building creativity in children, encouraging 'expansive thinking' that aids interpersonal skills and innovation. Children can be primed for creativity by viewing distant objects and perspectives, leading to increased creative performance.
Simulation training improved ER residents' leadership, problem-solving, and situational awareness skills. The study showed a sharpened overall performance in real-life emergency procedures.
Researchers at RIT are developing experiential learning modules to address barriers faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing students in STEM fields. The three-year project aims to enhance problem-solving skills, teamwork, and process improvement through immersive hands-on activities.
A UMass Amherst cognitive researcher has developed a systematic approach to enhancing creativity by teaching people to notice obscure features and build solutions around them. The technique, known as the generic parts technique (GPT), was shown to improve problem-solving skills in individuals trained with it.
Arizona State University researchers are studying the 10,000 Solutions participatory online platform to understand conditions for collective action. They aim to investigate how participation spreads, voting mechanisms impact community dynamics, and team formation affects solution quality.
Researchers developed a brief exam to identify frontal and temporal dysfunction in ALS patients, which can impact decision-making and treatment planning. The Penn State Brief Exam of Frontal and Temporal Dysfunction Syndromes (PSFTS) has been used in over 200 patients and is now standard care at the Medical Center.
A new study by Temple University researchers found that teens still struggle to plan ahead, leading to riskier decisions. The study tested 890 individuals between 10-30 years old and showed improvements in impulse control with age, allowing for better problem-solving skills.
A revised college science course design improved overall student performance and narrowed the achievement gap for educationally disadvantaged students. The highly structured format, which includes daily practice with problem-solving and data analysis, reduced the gap by 45%, according to research published in Science.
A new study by University of Wisconsin professor Martha Alibali and colleagues reveals that body movements significantly impact problem-solving. Participants who were restricted from using their hands or feet used abstract, mathematical strategies more often than those with free movement.
A new intensive diabetes education program has been shown to improve long-term blood sugar control in low-income, poorly educated diabetics. Participants who received the nine-session problem-solving course saw significant improvements in their hemoglobin A1C levels and reductions in high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
A UT Dallas researcher is studying how preschool and elementary-age children evaluate information to solve problems and learn critical thinking. The study aims to combat misleading advertising by understanding how children differentiate between reliable and doubtful sources of information.
A study found that horticulture students prefer finding the right answer over developing a strategy, but still value problem-solving as an important skill. The researchers developed an online learning platform, PSLP, which improved student engagement and understanding of ill-structured problems.