The role of inner speechs quality in problem solving

Abstract

Inner speech is an important issue in cultural-historical psychology, and it is a fundamental ability necessary for higher mental functions. The investigation of inner speech is difficult, and the best method which is known is the method of thinking aloud. This study deals with problem solving as one higher mental process and tries to find coherence between inner speech and problem solving using the method of thinking aloud. One trace of interpretation is picked up while presenting and discussing three results: (1) presentation of the coherence between inner speech and problem solving, (2) analysis of the differences between good and bad problem solvers, (3) presentation of different problem solving-speaking-types. The results lead to the interpretation that the quality of inner speech plays an important role in problem solving.

Keywords

• Cultural-historical psychology
• Speaking and thinking
• Inner speech
• Problem solving
• Method of thinking aloud