Representation of the Problem-Solving Process of the Tower of Hanoi using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Fuzzy cognitive maps represent the knowledge system of both an individual and a group, wherein the data collected from study participants are used to develop quantitative dynamic models from qualitative static models. The objective of this paper was to construct a dynamic representation model of the Tower of Hanoi problem using fuzzy cognitive maps. The methodology of this paper included five main phases: application of the Stroop test, warm-up, the experiment itself, data analysis, and creating a representation of the Tower of Hanoi problem-solving process. The results obtained show that fuzzy cognitive maps allow the researchers to identify the degree of influence between specific verbal instructions and their causal relationship concerning the categories of executive processes and subprocesses developed by the participants. It is necessary to continue deepening this research to design future studies that identify new functions at the cognitive and metacognitive levels in these specific problem-solving contexts.