Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Giving up problem solving
Stephen J Payne1, Geoffrey B Duggan
1University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom. s.j.payne@bath.ac.uk
Abstract:
How do people decide to abandon a problem? Participants were presented with unsolvable water jar problems, having been accurately informed of the prior probability of solvability. Across three experiments, we discovered effects of prior probability of solvability and of problem size (number of distinct problem states) on measures of effort and confidence. If a problem is more likely to be solvable and allows more problem states, a problem solver spends longer trying to solve the problem. Giving-up decisions are informed by the same judgments of probability of success and costs of solution that inform move-choice in a rational model of problem solving.
Related Concept Videos
Problem-Solving
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Statically Indeterminate Problem Solving
Implicit Differentiation: Problem Solving
Solving Problems in Physics
Problem Solving: Volume

