FROM NEUROSCIENCE LABORATORY TO NEUROLOGY CLINIC

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PROBLEMSOLVING STRATEGIES: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND CHANGES IN THE AGING PROCESS

Mevhibe Sarıcaoğlu

İstanbul Medipol University, Vocational School of Health Services, Program of Electroneurophysiology, İstanbul, Türkiye

Sarıcaoğlu M. ProblemSolving Strategies: Fundamental Concepts and Changes in the Aging Process. In: Hanoğlu L, editor. From Neuroscience Laboratory to Neurology Clinic. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.8391.

ABSTRACT

This section, titled “Problem and ProblemSolving Strategies,” discusses the definition of a problem, solution strategies, and relevant neuroimaging studies. A problem is defined as a question or situation requiring a solution. The problemsolving process includes identifying the problem, applying strategies, and reaching a conclusion. Solution methods vary by question type, and different strategies are employed. Three main problemsolving strategies are identified. The first strategy is an analytical process involving arithmetic questions where individuals must perceive numbers, apply rules, and follow operation steps. Verification can also be done by retracing these steps. The second strategy relies on memory recall, where solutions involve retrieving information from shortor longterm memory, particularly useful in general knowledge questions. The third strategy includes insightbased problems that are solved with a sudden “Aha” or “Eureka” moment, where the solution is reached intuitively without a fully explainable path. Brain activation varies with each strategy. For arithmetic questions, the triple code model is activated: numbers, quantities, and verbal information are processed in distinct brain regions. For instance, processing number symbols activates the inferior ventral occipitotemporal region, quantity information engages the inferior parietal region, and verbal information activates the left perisylvian area. General knowledge questions activate various brain areas involved in encoding and retrieval, such as the hippocampus, parahippocampal regions, temporal lobes, and ventral parietal and frontal regions. For insightbased questions, a broader activation occurs in the prefrontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, with the DLPFC, middle temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex actively engaged. This section also explores how age affects problemsolving abilities. According to Horn and Cattell’s intelligence theory, there is a shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence as we age. Fluid intelligence, predominant in youth, is the capacity to think logically and solve novel problems, while crystallized intelligence relies on accumulated knowledge and is more common in older adults. Research indicates that fluid intelligence decreases with age as working memory and processing speed decline. However, crystallized intelligence tends to remain stable, enabling the elderly to use experiencebased knowledge. The brain’s adaptability and compensatory mechanisms also help maintain problemsolving abilities despite agerelated changes.

Keywords: Problemsolving strategies; Artihmetic questions; General knowledge questions; Insight questions; Neuroimaging; Aging

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