Philip Nuli Anding
Mohd Razali Othman
Mai Sumiyati Ishak
Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Date: 26 October 2001
Time: 11.30-12.00

This study presents a cognitive task analysis carried out to analyse problem solving in engineering. The engineering problem used in this study was the collapse of a riverbank retaining wall that served as protection to a nearby building. Subjects involved in the study were two practicing engineers and four final year engineering students. Subjects were presented with a written report concerning the collapse of a retaining wall and subjects were asked to verbalise on the written report and to suggest corrective actions. The verbalised reports given by the subjects were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed. The result of the analysis indicated that the subjects approached the problem-solving task in stages. First, subjects identified matters related to the structural collapse of the retaining wall. Next subjects identified and hypothesised on the cause of the structural collapse. This was followed by suggestions for immediate remedy to the problem. Finally, subjects provide suggestions for the long-term solution to the problem. The cognitive task analysis carried out on the verbal protocols indicated that at the stage of identifying matters related to the structural collapse, the information used by subjects could be categorise into three knowledge categories and these are Structural Collapse Data, Events and Surrounding Structures. Analysis relating to identifying and hyphotesising on the cause of the structural collapse showed that subjects used knowledge and information related to Structural Collapse Data, Events, Surrounding Structures, Procedures and Documents. The knowledge and information were used to construct and hyphotesised the cause of the structural collapse. In suggesting immediate remedies and long-term solution to the problem, subjects used mean-end analysis where the goal for immediate remedies was essentially to prevent structural collapse of existing structure and the goal for the long-term solution was to erect a permanent retaining wall. This study was able to show the cognitive modes applied in solving an engineering problem.