The assessment of global optimization skills in procedural knowledge space theory

Stefanutti, Luca and Brancaccio, Andrea (2025) The assessment of global optimization skills in procedural knowledge space theory. Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 125. ISSN 0022-2496

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Abstract

Procedural knowledge space theory aims to evaluate problem-solving skills using a formal representation of a problem space. Stefanutti et al. (2021) introduced the concept of the “shortest path space” to characterize optimal problem spaces when a task requires reaching a solution in the minimum number of moves. This paper takes that idea further. It expands the shortest-path space concept to include a wider range of optimization problems, where each move can be weighted by a real number representing its “value”. Depending on the application, the “value” could be a cost, waiting time, route length, etc. This new model, named the optimizing path space, comprises all the globally best solutions. Additionally, it sets the stage for evaluating human problem-solving skills in various areas, like cognitive and neuropsychological tests, experimental studies, and puzzles, where globally optimal solutions are required.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Authors
Uncontrolled Keywords:	local optimization,human problem-solving,knowledge space,problem space,traveling salesman problem,psychology(all),applied mathematics ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Related URLs:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 13:30
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2025 13:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101414
DOI:	10.1016/j.jmp.2025.102907

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