Representational Change Theory

Representational Change Theory explains how problem-solvers adjust their mental picture of a problem to find solutions. When faced with a challenging problem, individuals often hold an initial mental model that may limit options. If that approach doesn't work, they can experience impasse, prompting them to rethink and modify their mental representation—such as framing the problem differently or viewing it from a new perspective. This mental shift—“representational change”—opens up alternative pathways to solutions they previously overlooked, ultimately enabling breakthrough insights and successful problem resolution.