An approach to visualize the course of solving of a research task in humans

TL;DR

This paper introduces a technique to visualize and analyze the process of solving research tasks in humans using a specially designed software, revealing different behavioral patterns between successful and unsuccessful participants.

Contribution

It presents a novel method for studying the dynamics of problem-solving processes through phase portraits and semi-binary dialogue interactions.

Findings

Solvers made more errors initially but fewer errors near completion.

Distinct cycles in phase portraits suggest sequences of hypotheses during problem-solving.

Successful and unsuccessful participants exhibit different error patterns and behavioral cycles.

Abstract

A technique to study the dynamics of solving of a research task is suggested. The research task was based on specially developed software Right- Wrong Responder (RWR), with the participants having to reveal the response logic of the program. The participants interacted with the program in the form of a semi-binary dialogue, which implies the feedback responses of only two kinds - "right" or "wrong". The technique has been applied to a small pilot group of volunteer participants. Some of them have successfully solved the task (solvers) and some have not (non-solvers). In the beginning of the work, the solvers did more wrong moves than non-solvers, and they did less wrong moves closer to the finish of the work. A phase portrait of the work both in solvers and non-solvers showed definite cycles that may correspond to sequences of partially true hypotheses that may be formulated by the participants during the solving of the task.