Representation of Fault‐Finding Problems and Development of Fault‐Finding Strategies

Abstract

This paper summarizes various studies which examine the representation of fault‐finding problems and the development of fault‐finding strategies. The main theoretical interest of this research was how the representation of problems in diagrams, maintenance manuals and other job aids determines the powerfulness and generality of any problem‐solving strategies acquired. The studies find that improvements in problem representation tend to increase the efficiency of problem solving while improvements in accuracy are achieved by training. The effects of prolonged practice and individual differences are discussed besides the importance of product and process measures of fault finding.