Динамика познавательных состояний студентов в процессе решения проблемных задач
The Dynamics of Students’ Cognitive States in the Process of Problem Solving

Summary/Abstract: Investigation of the cognitive states is relevant for development of the category of mental states, as well as for solution of various problems in cognitive and educational psychology. This paper provides an insight into the dynamics of students’ cognitive states during the process of problem solving. The purpose of the study is to disclose the dynamics of cognitive states in connection with various stages of the intellectual process. Using K. Duncker’s method combined with video fixation of facial expressions and motor states, the typical cognitive states of students at every stage of problem solving are revealed. An empirical model reflecting the relationship of intellectual processes with a characteristic set of cognitive states is constructed. It is shown that various stages of the intellectual process act as the main causes for emergence of cognitive states. The following most typical cognitive states are selected: puzzlement, concentration, doubt, confusion, thoughtfulness, curiosity, wonder, inspiration, confidence, insight, stupidity, and insensitivity. It is shown that cognitive states appearing in the course of problem solving belong to the group of operational states with duration measured in the range from seconds to minutes. During the experience of cognitive states, such mimic and motor manifestations are observed that allow us to fix the moments of origin and transition of actual states to subsequent ones. The conclusion is drawn on the basis of the received results that cognitive states are functionally related to various stages of finding solutions to problems, thereby providing their implementation. Cognitive states ensure cognitive activity, provide inclusiveness of examinees in the process of problem solving, take part in the process of assessment of the difficulty of a task and choosing ways to solve it, increase the intensity of critical thinking, etc.

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