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Understanding The Importance Of Intermediate Representations In Engineering Problem Solving

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Conference

2001 Annual Conference

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Publication Date

June 24, 2001

Start Date

June 24, 2001

End Date

June 27, 2001

ISSN

2153-5965

Page Count

8

Page Numbers

6.1083.1 - 6.1083.8

DOI

10.18260/1-2--9933

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/9933

Download Count

431

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Paper Authors

author page

Durward Sobek

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Abstract

This paper describes an emerging theory on the role that representations play in engineering problem solving. Modern cognitive psychology has shown that not only do problem solvers use different representations to store information and ideas, the representation itself influences the problem-solvers’ solution approach. I extend this notion to the engineering domain, and illustrate it with an example from programmable logic controller (PLC) programming. These ideas have important implications for how educators can help students develop effective problem-solving skills.

Sobek, D. (2001, June), Understanding The Importance Of Intermediate Representations In Engineering Problem Solving Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9933

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