A competence theory approach to problem solving method construction

This paper presents a theory of the construction process of problem-solving methods (PSMs) on the basis of the competence theory approach. This approach describes the refinement process of an initial, abstract formalization of the required competence of a PSM, towards an operational version of the PSM. Three major steps in this process are identified: specification of the required competence theory, refinement of the theory into a form that fits a PSM paradigm and the operationalization of the theory into a form that is close to an executable specification. As an example, the ontological commitments and assumptions underlying some problem-solving methods for classification problems are investigated and their operational forms are presented.