What does restructuring involve in the context of problem-solving?

Restructuring in the context of problem-solving refers to changing the way a problem is represented or understood. This process often involves looking at the problem from different perspectives or reframing it in a way that highlights new relationships and insights that may not have been immediately apparent. By altering the problem's representation, individuals can discover new solution paths that might have been overlooked under the original framing.

For instance, in mathematical or logical problems, this may involve visualizing a problem diagrammatically or using analogies to connect it to previously solved problems. The ability to restructure is key to overcoming mental blocks and achieving a deeper understanding, thus leading to more effective solutions. This concept is foundational in cognitive psychology as it recognizes the role of mental models in how individuals approach and solve problems.