Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
The puzzle of scientific progress: cultivating problem solvers
Mariana Araújo-Pereira1,2, Bruno B Andrade1,3,4,5
1Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Research, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Human nature resists change, hindering progress. Cultivating problem-solving skills transforms challenges into opportunities for understanding and innovation, fostering societal advancement.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Sociology
- Science of Problem Solving
Background:
- Human behavior often exhibits a paradox: recognizing problems but avoiding action due to fear of the unknown.
- This reluctance to change impacts personal lives, scientific advancement, and societal progress, leading to stagnation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mindset and strategies of effective problem solvers.
- To identify cognitive and social barriers to problem-solving and propose methods for overcoming them.
- To advocate for fostering a generation adept at navigating and embracing complexity.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of problem-solving as a cognitive and social process.
- Examination of historical and anecdotal evidence of resistance to change.
- Discussion of psychological and societal barriers to deep problem-solving.
Main Results:
- Problem solvers view complexity as a puzzle, requiring patience, adaptability, and iterative thinking.
- Overcoming stagnation necessitates developing individuals who can transform disorder into understanding.
- Shifting perspective to view problems as knowledge-building opportunities is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Fostering problem-solving skills is essential to overcome societal and scientific stagnation.
- Individuals need to be educated to embrace uncertainty and complexity as catalysts for progress.
- Developing "dissolvers of chaos" can drive innovation and understanding.
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