Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

Kaplan and Simon's experiment illustrates that the way a problem is represented plays a critical role in its solvability. The study found that when participants were presented with a problem that had a more intuitive and relatable representation, they were more likely to arrive at a solution compared to problems poorly structured or represented. This highlights the importance of cognitive frameworks and mental models in facilitating problem-solving strategies. A well-structured representation can provide clues or insights that lead to a successful solution, whereas a poorly constructed one can obscure important information or lead to confusion.

Other options, while they may touch on factors affecting problem-solving, do not accurately reflect the core finding of Kaplan and Simon's work. For instance, although time constraints can affect how problems are tackled, the fundamental aspect of their experiment centers around representation. Additionally, experience in problem-solving can certainly inform or improve strategies, but it was not the primary focus of this specific experiment. Lastly, while algorithms can be useful, their efficacy ultimately depends on the problem being tackled and may not always enhance problem-solving success in every instance, especially if the underlying representation is flawed.