Problem solving is thought to be done first in the head. A new study though challenges this notion. The study shows that people solve problems based on how one perceives the world. Problem solving strategies are different for people who think with their hands.
Human interaction with the environment is constant. Each day a person will do things which would involve his hands. A new research has shown that problem solving takes on a new approach if it involves the use of hands.
Gaille Vallee-Tourangeau is a Professor for Organizational Behavior and is working with Frederic Vallee-Tourangeau, who is a Professor of Psychology. Both are from the Kingston University London. Their research shows that using tools and objects could help people find new ways in problem solving.
According to Professor Gaille Vallee-Tourangeau, thinking by just using one's head doesn't reflect how a person reacts in real situations. To show this, they have made a study involving 50 people. In the study, the participants would have to put 17 animals into four pens. In each pen, there should be an odd number of animals in them. The participants were then split into two groups.
The first group would have to solve the problem by building physical models while the second group would use an electronic tablet and stylus to work it out. The experiment has shown that the first group has more success in solving the problem, according to Kingston University London. Having the tools to work with before them gives people the edge in solving a problem, as explained by Professor Frederic Vallee-Tourangeau.
A research is also being made on those who have math anxiety, as Science Daily reports. This anxiety can go to the point that the person would not solve even simple math problems. The study has shown that those who are given tokens to move around while solving math problems are much quicker than those who try to solve it in the heads. The study has also shown that those who solve math problems in their head become more anxious, but would have that anxiety go once they have an object to solve the problem with.
Solving problems can be stressful. The new research has shown that problem solving strategies are different for people who think with their hands. In another study, it has been shown that caring for others can affect longevity.
