Problem representation refers to the way to record, understand and express the information of a problem in your mind. In the process of problem solving, we should first code the objects, conditions, goals and cognitive operations involved in the problem in working memory and establish an appropriate problem representation. Including the initial state of the problem, the target state of the problem, the operation (operator) to change the state of the problem and the constraints on the operator. Generally divided into language representation and representation representation.

Factors affecting problem representation

1, problem space. In the process of problem solving, the whole process includes a "problem space" from the initial state to the target state. The problem space includes the understanding of the known state, the understanding of the purpose, possible solutions and any possible effective solutions.

2. Knowledge space. To solve problems, we need to describe local points before we can find all-round faces, and knowledge can prevent fruitless and meaningless exploration. Problem solvers solve problems through knowledge judgment, and knowledge will be enriched in the process of solving problems, so the knowledge space available to problem solvers will also increase.