International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Compatibility of Problem Solving Theory and Activity Theory
Evaristo Kangwa
Mukuba University, P.O Box 20382, Kitwe, Zambia
Abstract: The paper reviews problem solving theory and activity theory in order to determine whether or not the two theories are compatibility. Both problem solving and activity theory have been extensively studies since their inception over 8 decades ago. While problem solving has been studied as a cognitive domain as well as a pedagogical domain, activity theory has been extensively studied as a theoretical framework to understand the relationship between subject and object in relation with other players within the system. Vygotsky observed that through mediating artifacts, humans have moved from lower to higher cognitive function. In this sense, activity theory may be used as a framework for studying the cognitive development of the subject. Having compared the two theories, a number of relations are identified that seem to exist on the conceptual level between the two theories. Among the relations identified include the following: Both problem-solving theory and activity theory seem to agree with the notion of solver or subject first identifying the existence of a problem or a need that requires changing or transforming; Both theories seem to suggest that tools or instruments, either physical or psychological, shape the activity and that the tools are used to accomplish the activity. It is therefore, important for future research to focus on the empirical evidence to confirm the compatibility of problem solving theory and activity theory.
I. INTRODUCTION
There seems to be a thin line between problem solving theory and activity theory when viewed from the point of view of considering humans as actors who is always striving to overcome an obstacle or indeed striving to transform the current state to the goal state. at the conceptual level. Although both problem solving and activity theory are knowledge domains that have been extensively studied, there seem to be a paucity of studies that have focused on relationships between the two theories. Problem solving theory acknowledges the fact that problem solving is part and parcel of one’s daily life (Uredi & Kosece, 2020), because everyday humans encounter and solve countless number of problems. While activity theory holds that humans have the needs which lead them to carry out activities to satisfy their needs (Babapour, Cabaleda-Cordero, & Karsson, 2021). But for one to embark on solving a problem there must be a need, which motivates the solve to do so. This piece work has attempted to demonstrate at the conceptual level the compatibility of problem solving theory and activity theory