Stimulus uncertainty, response uncertainty, and problem solving

Communication theory is applied to delineate the basic dimensions of problem-solving. Reaction times to tones were determined, with the number of different tones and the number of response alternatives varied. The mean trial number of the first correct response was directly related to both stimulus and response uncertainty. Frequency of repeated errors was also directly related to both variables. The rate of gain of information per second was directly related to stimulus uncertainty, but was unaffected by response uncertainty.