The assessment of global optimization skills in procedural knowledge space theory

Stefanutti, Luca and Brancaccio, Andrea ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5919-6990 (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,general psychology,applied mathematics ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3200
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Related URLs:	https://www.scopus.com/pages/publication...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 13:30
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2026 20:49
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101414
DOI:	10.1016/j.jmp.2025.102907

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