1B50 Introduction to Cognitive Science Problem solving 1.
Problem solving as search and control Even well-structured problems can be very difficult to solve.
To put it another way, even if we have no difficulty in recognising a needle when we see one, looking for needles in haystacks is very difficult when the haystacks are large . This control of the problem solving process, choosing which rule or operator to apply, is the question of search . Search is a general mechanism when no more direct method is known. It provides a structure into which more direct methods can be used. A control strategy for blind search must prevent stalemates and be systematic.